Tree maintenance

The care and maintenance of any trees within private property is the responsibility of the landowner/tenant.

 

If trees within the property are covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you will need to submit a 'Works to Trees' application before any work is started (see the application form on the right). 

To find out if you are affected by a TPO please contact the Tree Preservation Officer in the Planning Department started.

 

If the tree is not covered by a TPO then any pruning or removal works are allowed to be carried out without prior permission from the council providing that the property is not located within a Conservation Area.

If the tree is within a Conservation Area an application for 'Works to Trees' will need to be submitted.  

 

Where you are affected by the overhang of neighbouring trees, you are permitted to prune back the overhanging branches so long as the tree is not covered by a TPO or is situated within a Conservation Area.  It is advisable to check this with either the owner or with the council before hand; unauthorised works to trees within this criteria carry a large fine.   

 

If the tree is located within a Conservation Area but not covered by a TPO, a description of required works would need to submitted to the Tree Preservation Officer before work is commenced. 

 

Non TPO/Conservation Area trees
Any dispute between neighbours regarding trees not covered by a TPO or not within a Conservation Area is considered a civil matter.  The council will not intervene at any time.

 

Please note that the tenancy agreement for council house tenants makes them responsible for trees in the front and back garden.

 

Cracks in walls
If you suspect damage such as cracks in walls or surrounding land to a property is caused by a tree located on the public highway, you should as a first point of call contact our Insurance Department.

 

List of tree surgeons
We do not provide a service to carry out works, but here is a list of registered tree surgeons.