Fallen and overgrown trees

Fallen privately owned trees next to a road

In the interest of public safety, we ask that owners or occupiers of land with trees near the highway have them regularly inspected by a competent person to meet their ‘duty of care’.

If a private tree is causing a risk to pedestrians or road users, we ask that the owner cuts it back.

If you can't contact the owner, report it online and we will contact the owner (if possible). In an emergency, we will cut back the tree so the road can be reopened. The cuttings will be left on the property and we ask that the owner disposes of them.

We may seek to recover all reasonable costs from the owner or occupier of the land. Find out more about our fees and charges.

Fallen trees we own

If a tree we own has fallen, but is not blocking a road or pavement and is not a safety concern, report it online.

If a tree is blocking a road or pavement, call us to report this emergency on 03000 41 81 81 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or 03000 41 91 91 at all other times.

Trees affecting overhead cables and utilities

Our contracted tree surgeons can remove fallen trees that are causing an obstruction or hazard to the public highway only. Our priority is the safety of the public, if our stewards establish that a tree is caught up in third party apparatus, they will identify the asset owner and advise accordingly.

When excavating close to trees, electricity, water, gas, and cable companies have agreed to follow a code of practice. This includes the facility for hand digging within the root protection zone.

If a tree is causing an obstruction or a hazard to a public highway, call 03000 41 81 81.