Trees Utilities Trenching and Highway Trees

Trees play an essential role in the environment and visual amenity of both rural and urban landscapes.  They may take decades to grow, but can be destroyed in minutes.  Wherever they are growing, whether in public footpaths, private gardens, rural verges or elsewhere, they require space for the adequate development of their root systems and to allow the branches to develop an attractive and natural shape.

The space available for both trees and services is often very restricted, and they frequently share the available space, both above and below ground. The following is a brief summary of the guidelines for Utility Companies when excavating to install, replace or maintain a service in close proximity to trees.  It is based on the National Joint Utilities Group, Publication Number 10.  Following the guidelines should ensure trees are not significantly harmed.

If you see utility works in the vicinity of trees which do not accord with the guidelines, or have any queries, please contact the Tree Section on tel: 01628 796094 or e-mail us at trees@rbwm.gov.uk

For further information regarding Street trees and Cable Trencing please click on the PDF below.

•   Utilities Trenching and Highways Trees (pdf 381KB)