Council trees affecting your property

Claims

For claims or reports presented by insurance companies, go to the insurance claims page.

Overhanging branches

If branches from a council tree are overhanging your property, you can cut them back yourself, unless the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area.

You may prune the branches back to the boundary of your property but no further. The work must be done from your own property. You must dispose of any cuttings yourself, do not leave them on council land.

Trees blocking light or affecting television reception

The council does not prune or cut down trees which are blocking light or affecting television reception.

Bird droppings, sap or pollen

Unfortunately pruning a tree won’t stop sap or pollen falling, or birds sitting on the remaining branches.

We appreciate that droppings, pollen and sap from trees can be inconvenient.

Tree damaging property

If you think a tree is damaging your property, the first thing to do is contact your home insurance company for advice.

If it is proved that a council tree has damaged your property, or could cause damage in the future, we may carry out work on the tree.

Tree damaging pipes

It is very rare for underground water pipes to be broken by tree roots. Tree roots don’t break into undamaged pipes, but will take advantage of a pipe that is already damaged.

We do not carry out work on trees to prevent roots entering damaged pipes, as repairing the pipe is the only certain solution.

If you think a tree is damaging pipes on your property, the first thing to do is contact your home insurance company for advice. 

Fallen leaves and fruit

If leaves or fallen fruit are causing a hazard, contact the street cleaning service.

Page last updated: 15 July 2024