Trees on Private Land

Property Owners are responsible for the maintenance of any tree on their land. (This responsibility may extend to occupiers or other parties where legal agreements exist.)

If you seek advice about privately owned trees which are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, Planning Condition, Legal Agreement (S.106), or are within a Conservation Area, phone the Council's Tree Section on tel: 01628 796134.  If you wish to check the status of an application / notification, please phone the Borough's Customer Service Centre on tel: 01628 683810.

For trees not covered by the above you can obtain advice from the following sources:

The Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service
Website: www.treehelp.info/
Based at the Forestry Commissions Research Station at Farnham, the AAIS provides a premium enquiry line service available to home owners, tree managers, designers and anybody who from time to time may be faced with a tree related problem.  Called 'Tree Helpline' (telephone number 09065 161147) this line service is staffed five days per week (Monday to Friday) between 8.45am and 5.00 pm.  Outside these hours an answerphone will be available to record enquiries which will be followed up subsequently and information supplied as appropriate.

Although each telephone call is charged through telephone bills at £1.50 per minute, the specialist service will save enquirers considerable time seeking information and guidance from other sources.  Staff will be available to give practical guidance on aspects of trees and related subjects.  Where an enquiry cannot be answered by telephone, information will be asked for and a written reply will be prepared (additional costs will be notified in advance).  The 'Tree Helpline' can also be contacted via e-mail:  admin@treeadviceservice.org.uk

The Arboricultural Association
The AA is a registered charity concerned with raising the standards of tree care and maintains a Directory of Registered Consultants. A Registered Consultant of the Arboricultural Association is a person with proven experience in the assessment and management of trees at a professional level, who will be able to provide authoritative advice on all matters related to trees.

The Association also produces a range of publications on amenity tree care which are available at minimal cost.

To contact the Arboricultural Association go to their website: http://www.trees.org.uk/ or e-mail them at admin@trees.org.uk

RBWM Tree Advice Service
The Borough's Tree Officers will provide a basic level of general advice by e-mail or by telephone on 01628 796134 or by e-mail to Trees@rbwm.gov.uk

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