Council owned trees

We look after many trees in parks and public open spaces and carry out an annual programme of management and planting work. Trees are deemed our property if they grow within the boundaries of any buildings we own, or in public open spaces. Anyone wilfully damaging trees risks prosecution.

Request the cutting back of trees on council land online if you feel there are trees, which are causing a problem, or contact Contracts Team on the details below.

Trees and the law

The law protects certain individual trees and groups of trees:

See trees with Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

See trees in Conservation Area.

This legislation makes it an offence to carry out any work on these trees without applying for permission first.

Some advice for private tree owners

See the tree preservation order list to find out if a tree is subject to a TPO.

See the conservation area list to see if a tree has protection by being in a conservation area.

Contact the Arboriculturist see details below even though a tree does not appear in either the TPO or a conservation area list, it is best to always check, as you need to ensure that the tree or trees are not subject to planning constraints.

Once you have found out that you can cut or remove branches from a tree or trees you need to employ a professional tree surgeon.

Find out about tree work contactors before you employ someone to do work on your trees. Remember they must show you proof of their Public Liability Insurance.