Find out more information about trees in our area.
What are reasonable bounds?
There is a significant variety of species and sites in the borough and tree pruning works are considered on a case-by-case basis. We attempt to balance the needs of our neighbours with the council’s desire to maintain a healthy tree population with a large canopy cover. Pruning works are carried out to produce a well-structured and healthy tree, and to reduce their influence on neighbouring properties.
Overhanging branches
We are not required to ensure that branches of our trees do not overhang the boundary with it's neighbours. We do however carry out work to reduce the size of overhanging branches, especially where they are near buildings.
Low branches
Low branches and growth are normally removed every year to remove obstructions to pedestrians, vehicles, and to improve problems caused by shade.
Tall trees
Trees do not normally become dangerous just because they are tall and it is unlikely that the council will reduce the height of a tree just because of its height. The decision to reduce a tree is considered carefully and these works are normally taken to maintain a structural issue with a tree or to deal with a site-specific issue.
Blocking light
Restrictions of light, views, and problems with shade are considered seasonal nuisances and legislation does not normally demand pruning because of these issues. Although it's not normal for us to prune trees to deal with light, other works carried out to deal with other issues can reduce shade.
Leaf and fruit fall
The fall of leaves, fruit, and other types of seeds are considered seasonal nuisances and legislation does not normally demand pruning because of these issues. Although it's not normal for us to prune trees to deal with leaf and fruit fall issues, other works carried out to deal with other issues can reduce these seasonal nuisances.
If there are significant problems associated with fruit fall on the footpath, you can let us know using through the street cleansing and sweeping page.
Obstruction of road signs, street lights and telephone wires
Work is carried out to clear branches from road signs, telephone wires and street lights.
TV reception and solar panels
We won't prune or fell a council-owned tree to prevent interference with TV, satellite, or broadband internet reception.
We will only do work regarding to solar panels if it to the trees benefit such as cutting overhanging branches if it meets our criteria of extensive overhang.
If you are having issues, we suggest speaking with your provider who may be able to suggest an alternative solution to the problem, for example: relocating an aerial/dish to boost the signal.
Pollarded trees
Pollarding is a method of maintaining a potentially large tree in a reduced size. The frequency of work, to remove all new growth from a structural framework or branches, is normally carried out in the winter on a 2-to-6 year rotation and is dictated by the proximity to structures and defects within the tree's crown.
Private Tree advice
We unfortunately do not have the resources to get involved with private trees. It is the responsibility of the landowner to maintain the trees on their land, including resolving any issues or damages the tree may cause. We recommend seeking permission from the owner of the land before undertaking works to trees.
Some trees can also be protected under a tree protection order and it is a criminal offence to undertake works to or remove these trees without receiving permission from the Council.
Approved tree works should be carried out by an adequately qualified and insured tree surgeon. If unsure, please check the Arboricultural Association's directory of tree surgeons.
There are a limited number of official options available and the that would deal with problems related to a neighbour’s tree, as there are very few restrictions to the size and shape a tree may attain, despite the problems that they may cause.
In the majority of neighbour tree issues, the best course of action is for the neighbours to talk to each other and attempt to resolve the issue amicably without external parties becoming directly involved. It may be necessary to ask on certain occasions for works to be carried out. It may also be necessary to seek quotations on behalf of the owner, offer to contribute funds to pay for the work, or find out why the owner is reluctant to carry out the work. Be aware that the owner may not see any issue with the trees as they may not cause them the same problems as their neighbours.
Community Tree Portal
To find out about trees managed by the Council, including:
- the benefits they provide
- how they are being managed
- their value as community assets
You can visit our community tree portal which contains a map to explore specific trees in your area. You can also submit an enquiry about a particular tree from the map.
View our community tree portal
Report a tree problem
To report a tree problem, please ensure you have:
- gone through the tree advice
- checked the community tree portal for the particular tree
You should also know if the tree is protected and will require planning permissions. If you are unsure, you should visit the identify protected trees page.
If you know its County Council:
Report a highways problem (NCC)
Still can’t find it, then please use the link below: