Tree management

We highly value trees in the borough, and every season we plant more. Our tree policy is central to our commitment to make the borough a greener place and we have a team of officers dedicated to working on trees.

Trees managed by the council

To report a problem with a tree on a street, in a park or on other council-owned land in the borough, please use the » online reporting system.

We are always seeking to increase the number of trees in the borough and we will consider your requests to plant trees in your area. Before planting we have to make sure the trees will not cause any problems such as damage to nearby buildings or underground cables. We carry out all tree planting during the winter season. 

For more information on our street tree planting and maintenance policies download the  Street Tree Maintenance Policy Statement (pdf)

Many residents tell us that street trees are important to the character of the borough. Therefore we will only remove a tree for a good reason, for example, if it is dead, diseased or dangerous. During new planting schemes we make it a priority to replace these trees.

In our borough we have a number of large trees that are up to 150 years old and not suitable for the narrow streets they are planted on. In keeping with our policy we will maintain these trees and work to manage the problems they present through regular pruning. We prune the borough’s street trees every three to four years, although some larger trees in narrow streets are pruned more regularly. If street trees need attention before they are next due to be pruned, in some cases we will work on them. 

For more information on when we will prune street trees that need attention, please download our  Guidelines for Job Allocation for Street Trees (pdf)

If a council tree is damaging your property we advise that you contact your building insurer for their opinion before reporting the damage to us. We will then consider evidence of the damage from your insurer and decide on what action is needed.

Trees on private land

Trees and bushes growing on private land are the responsibility of the landowner, not the council. If a privately owned tree is causing a problem such as root growth damaging your building or vegetation overhanging into your property, please contact the landowner. Although the council has no power in these matters, you do have certain rights under common law. To find out more about your rights relating to trees visit the Arboricultural Information Exchange website, www.aie.org.uk 

If a tree on private land is dangerous and needs urgent attention, we have the power to force the landowner to make it safe. To report a dangerous tree on private land, please email treesenquiries@lbhf.gov.uk

If vegetation from a tree or bush on private land is obstructing a public road or pavement, we will ask the landowner to trim it. Visit Overhanging trees and bushes for more information. 

Advice on finding a tree surgeon

If you are looking for a tree surgeon to work on trees on your property, you should make sure they are fully qualified and insured. Please visit the Arboricultural Association's website to see its list of approved contractors. www.trees.org.uk