Trees

If you wish to carry out works to your trees then you may find the following guidance useful:

Tree FAQs

Q. Can the Council help remove or cut back trees from my garden?

A. If you are a Housing Association tenant a request should be made through your Housing Association Office. No assistance can be given to private home owners / tenants.

Q. Will the Council remove or cut back a tree which is growing near my garden?

A. Each case is looked at individually. Urgent matters, such as a dangerous tree will be dealt with within 24 hours. A decision on less urgent matters will be given within 7 days. Usually, the Council will not remove or cut back a tree if it is not dangerous or causing any damage to property. Shade, leaves, blossom, pollen or seed distribution are not normally reasons to remove or cut back a tree.

Q. Do I need planning permission to plant trees?

A. No, you do not need to apply for planning permission in order to plant trees. However, do ensure that you are not planting trees in the vicinity of buildings whereby growing trees could damage foundations or deprive your neighbours of light.

Q. Do I need permission from the Council before I cut down or prune trees?

A. In most cases the Council's permission is not required. However, you should check if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Additionally, in certain circumstances, you may require a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission.

Q. Does a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) only cover individual trees?

A. No, A TPO can cover not only individual trees but also groups of trees and woodland.

Q. Who is responsible for looking after trees?

A. The owner of the land that the trees grow on is responsible for the tree. Therefore, if the Council owns the land that the tree grows on, the Council is responsible for the maintenance of the tree. If the Council does not own the land, please contact the legal owner.

Q. Can I cut back branches that overhang into my garden?

A. Usually, yes. However, you should inform the owner of the tree that you will be doing this and offer them the branches back. Always check that the tree is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or that you are not in a Conservation Area before cutting back a tree. If it is protected in any way, you will need to apply for permission from the Council. (This also applies to Council owned trees).

How to select a Tree Surgeon

A Tree Surgeon, sometimes described as an Arboriculturist, Arborist or Aboricultural Contractor, will undertake tree work to a specification. However, it is essential to establish whether your trees are protected by law e.g. covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are in a Conservation Area. This can be done by contacting the Council's Planning Services on 01993 861420 or by asking your contractor to provide documentary proof that the tree(s) are not protected.

Contractors may say they are members of a trade association - Check the validity of any such claim. The Arboricultural Association, which produces a list of approved contractors, can be contacted on 01794 368717
Get at least three written quotes and be aware that the lowest quote may not be the best one. It is also advisable to indicate to the contractor when you would like the work to be carried out. Remember that quotes only remain valid for a specific amount of time. Please let the contractor know your decision be it acceptance or refusal.
Avoid contractors who use the words Lopping and Topping.
Many reputable contractors cover large areas of the country, but you should generally avoid door-knockers.
The contractor should provide proof of at least £2 million Public Liability Insurance.
Reputable contractors will be happy to answer all of your questions, as they have got nothing to hide.
Once you have selected your contractor, ensure that the work to be carried out for the agreed sum is received in writing.

Contact Details

If you have any queries, please call the Council's Tree & Landscape Officers:

Tree Advice & Trees On Council Owned Land - Street Scene 01993 861020 or complete an on-line enquiry form
Trees Protection - Planning Services 01993 861420