Trees Frequently Asked Questions

If the tree is outside your boundary on what you believe is public land, for example on the highway verge, you will need to contact the Council's Tree Team The call will be logged and an Arboricultural Officer will visit and inspect the tree(s) to see whether any works are required. The Council will normally only carry out works for reasons of health and safety, to abate an actionable nuisance (in the legal sense of the term) or to comply with a statutory obligation such as the Highways Act 1980. You will be informed shortly afterwards as to the outcome.

If the tree is outside your boundary on what you believe is private land, then you should try and contact the owner to discuss with them. You may have a common law right to prune back to your boundary, but should first always check to see if the tree is protected, as prior written permission may be required from or notification served on the Local Planning Authority.

For further advice, please contact the Tree Team