Our trees are not routinely pruned

Trees don't need pruning to keep them healthy. Tall trees are not in themselves a health and safety risk.

Please be assured that council trees are inspected by our qualified tree inspectors along our roads, footpaths, parks and open spaces as a priority every 2 years. All other council trees are inspected and assessed over a 4-year period according to their priority. This approach both protects the city's trees for future generations to enjoy and manages risk to people and property.

When do we inspect trees?

We will inspect the tree, carry out any work needed to make it safe if a tree:

  • is dead
  • has fallen down
  • is damaged, diseased or unhealthy
  • is touching a building
  • is blocking a streetlight
  • is blocking traffic lights or a warning sign

Our highway department will investigate tree roots causing a trip hazard on the pavement and repair.

All the work we complete is carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Works – Recommendation, industry best practices and guidance.

What we are unable to deal with

The Council does not maintain the following:

Pruning our trees

All the work we complete is carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Works – Recommendation, industry best practices and guidance.

Can I prune a Council tree? 

It is illegal for someone other than a council arborist fell a council tree. All illegal felling of council trees will be investigated and those involved can be prosecuted.

What you can do

Requests from the public have a big impact on keeping the City green. Being aware of what we can deal with makes sure requests are well-grounded, reasoned and considerate. Without such consideration and care, many trees may be lost or damaged.

Please contact us if you see a tree that is dead, has fallen down or if you think it is damaged/unhealthy/diseased. Report someone you believe is or has pruned or cut down a council tree.

We will respond to all council tree enquiries within our service standards.

Council trees overhanging your property

Overhanging branches can be cut back under common law rights. However, you can only cut branches back to the boundary of your property and no further. The work must be done from your own property side, unless prior consent from the Council has been sought to access Council land and/or trees.
 
You must:

  • Ensure prior consent from the council is gained before working on any trees
  • Ensure prior consent from the Planning Tree Officer is gained before carrying out any work to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area
  • Ensure disposal of any arisings yourself and you do not leave them on Council land
  • Ensure all work is completed in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Works – Recommendations
  • Ensure the health, stability and long term retention of the tree is not affected by the work as the Council will investigate and may seek compensation for any loss or damage caused by the work
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