Problems with trees
You cannot carry out any work on trees on public land. They're owned by the Council and we must carry out any work needed. We can help if you have a problem with a tree.
Find the right contact to report a problem with a tree.
Trees in parks, woodland, highways and open spaces
Our arboriculture team looks after the parts of a tree you can see above the ground. They look after trees in parks, woodland, highways and other public land. Tell us about problems with trees (above ground) on public land.
They do not look after tree roots. Tell our highways team about problems with tree roots.
Trees on Council land that are not on a highway or in a park or woodland
Contact our arboriculture team. They'll identify the department that owns the land and work with them to resolve the issue. Tell us about a tree on public land.
Trees on land managed by a residential social landlord
If we do not manage the land the tree stands on, we're unable to do any tree work. Contact the social landlord.
Overgrown trees
We inspect all highway trees on a two-year schedule and plan pruning work. If a tree on a highway is dangerous, contact our arboriculture service. Tell us about a dangerous tree on a highway.
Trees touching or damaging overhead wires
Contact BT Openreach to report trees touching or damaging overhead wires. Go to the Openreach website at www.openreach.co.uk/cpportal/help/how-to-contact-openreach.
Trees covering street lights
The highways team look after street lights. They manage trees covering lights as part of their maintenance work. Tell the highways team about a tree covering a street light.
Trees blocking light, solar panels or satellite reception
We do not prune trees to improve natural light levels or satellite reception. This is because excessive pruning can damage the tree. It's the responsibility of the satellite company to fit dishes where there will be an unobstructed signal. Contact your provider if you have an issue.
Uneven surfaces, trip hazards and structural issues (caused by roots)
Our highways team looks after problems with tree roots. They'll make any repairs and changes needed. Tell the highways team about a problem with tree roots.
Growth from the base of trees
We remove growth from the base of street trees every year. You do not need to report it.
Leaves
Pruning trees has little effect on leaf fall. We do not prune or remove trees to reduce it. If fallen leaves cause a problem on a pavement or road, contact the street cleaning team. Tell the street cleaning team about a problem with fallen leaves.
Sap
Pruning trees has little effect on reducing sap. We do not prune or remove trees to reduce it.
Drains
Tree roots do not enter drains unless the drain is already damaged. We do not remove trees to prevent roots entering damaged pipes. This should be dealt with via your property insurance.
Trees in your garden or other private land you own
Some trees in private gardens and other private land have legal protection. You need our permission to prune or remove your tree if it's in a conservation area or covered by a tree preservation order. Find out more about tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas.
Trees in neighbouring gardens
A tree in a garden (or other private land) is the responsibility of the owner. If there's a problem, speak to your neighbour or the property owner.
You have a legal right to remove branches that cross over your boundary. But you can only do that from your own property. You must get your neighbour's permission to cross the boundary. Even to lean a ladder against the tree trunk.
Don't put the branches on your neighbour's land. Ask your neighbour if they want them. If not, it's your responsibility to remove them.