Trees, hedges, shrubs and grass verges
We look after vegetation - trees, hedges, shrubs and grass verges - and also deal with
weeds on roads and pavements to
keep them safe.
How you can help
If you would like to look after the area outside your home
or property, and encourage your neighbours and community to do
the same, read our guide to how you can
help.
Vegetation on or from private land
We don't look after trees, hedges and shrubs on private
land, including land that is next to roads and pavements. Most
trees and hedges by roads are on land owned by private landowners,
district councils, parish councils, housing associations and
homeowners.
It is the landowner's responsibility to look after these
area. They have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to
prevent or reduce as far as possible, the risk of injury or damage
that could be caused to anyone else. Examples are:
- overhanging branches reducing the width or blocking view of the
road
- a damaged or diseased tree that is in danger of falling onto
the road or pavement
- overgrown hedges obscuring road signs or street lights
If vegetation on private land is causing a problem to the road
or pavement, we send a letter to the owner recommending
they takes action and arranges any work that is needed. If the
owner doesn't do this, there are legal steps we can take to make
sure it happens, but this is a last resort.
If you have trees and hedges by the edge of roads or pavements
we recommend you have them inspected regularly, preferably by a
tree specialist, to check they are safe. Any work should be done by
a competent and fully insured professional.
Read more about what we are
responsible for looking after.