Parks and recreation

Trees on council land

Trees located on council‑owned land are managed by the Parks and Countryside team. These trees are inspected in line with the Tree Risk Management Strategy, and any safety or maintenance work identified during these checks is arranged as needed. Movement of branches and trunks in the wind is normal and does not usually indicate a safety risk.

Pruning and tree height

The council only carries out essential work on its trees and does not remove trees unless absolutely necessary. Pruning requests can be submitted, but pruning is only carried out when required for safety or tree health. The council does not routinely reduce tree height because this can lead to rapid regrowth, defects or worsening of the original issue.

Highways trees may be pruned to prevent branches from blocking roads, pavements, streetlights, signs or street furniture. This work forms part of a regular maintenance programme.

Overhanging branches and boundaries

Branches or roots from a council tree that extend over a neighbouring property can be legally cut back by the neighbour to their boundary, provided the tree is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order or within a conservation area. The council will only prune overhanging branches if they are touching or very close to a building and could cause physical damage.

Shade and blocked views

There is no legal right to light or a right to a view. Requests to prune trees for increased light are assessed individually, but pruning is not carried out unless the tree also requires work for other reasons.

Television or satellite reception

There is no legal right to uninterrupted TV or satellite reception. Trees interfering with reception are not considered a nuisance in law. Pruning will not be carried out for this reason alone, and issues are often resolved by relocating aerials or using signal boosters.

Pollen and allergies

Tree pollen can trigger hay fever, but this is not considered a valid reason for pruning or removing council trees.

Leaf fall

Leaf fall is a natural seasonal process and cannot be prevented. The council does not collect leaves from private properties. Garden and gutter maintenance is the responsibility of the landowner. Gutter guards may help reduce blockages.

Fruit, berries and nut fall

Fruit‑bearing trees can sometimes cause problems, such as slippery paths or anti‑social behaviour. The council considers these issues when choosing suitable tree species. In extreme cases involving persistent problems, phased removal and replacement may be considered.

Sap and honeydew

Honeydew is caused by aphids feeding on tree sap. It can cause sticky surfaces and dark mould, especially under lime and sycamore trees. Pruning is not effective as regrowth may worsen the issue. Honeydew is seasonal and natural. Warm soapy water usually removes residue from cars.

Bird droppings

Bird droppings are not a reason to prune or remove a tree, and birds often move to other branches anyway. Nesting birds are legally protected. Warm soapy water can remove droppings from surfaces.

Roots and drains

Tree roots typically only enter drains that are already damaged. They rarely cause the initial break. Roots may affect paving or small structures, but houses are usually unaffected. If tree roots are suspected of contributing to structural damage, homeowners should contact their building insurer.

Cutting roots at the boundary is allowed (unless the tree is protected), but doing so may affect the tree’s stability, which could lead to liability if further damage occurs.

Ivy on trees

Ivy can provide wildlife benefits but may obscure the tree’s condition or increase weight on branches. The council removes ivy only when needed to assess the tree’s health or if it poses a safety concern.

Concerns about large trees near properties

Large trees may cause direct damage to small structures or indirect damage through soil shrinkage on clay soils. Modern buildings are usually designed to avoid these issues. If cracking or movement is noticed, the property owner should contact their building insurer to investigate the cause.

High hedges

Under the Anti‑Social Behaviour Act 2003, residents concerned about a neighbour’s hedge can submit a complaint to the council, but only after attempting mediation. The council may issue a notice requiring hedge height reduction if appropriate. Residents must contact their neighbour in writing before submitting a formal complaint.

Trees on private land

Trees on privately owned land are the responsibility of the landowner and not the council. This includes trees on:

• private residential gardens
• land belonging to privately owned flats
• privately owned green spaces
• private roads

Any concerns about these trees must be directed to the property owner.