We have approximately 12,000 trees across the borough and are committed to providing a healthy and abundant tree stock.
We see our tree stock as a valuable asset as they contribute to our health and well being by absorbing carbon monoxide, providing shade and reducing airborne pollutants.
However, a careful balance is required between maintaining trees in the right places whilst minimising any risk of harm.
We have a tree maintenance programme which aims to:
- Maintain a healthy tree stock with a diverse age and class to make full use of the environmental, social and economic benefits this brings.
- Fulfil our statutory duty of care and corporate objectives on health and safety through engaging in proactive and proportionate tree risk management.
- Set transparent systems and strategies to address customers’ requests and enquiries about trees, and focus on finding solutions to deal with tree problems.
All our tree stock has been surveyed and we now have a full directory of trees in our neighbourhoods, including exact location, species and current condition.
In line with best practice, 2023 we also carried out an update to our stock information including number tagging all our trees.
All our work is carried out by a professional arboriculture team who also provide a 24 hour emergency call out service.
Our Tree Work Priorities
Dead, diseased or dangerous trees
Dangerous or unstable trees or branches that are likely to cause injury
Trees obstructing the highway or public footpaths
Trees causing or highly likely to cause significant damage to property
Trees causing severe shading or other nuisance
Trees causing structural damage.
Trees will not be pruned or felled due to the following issues below:
- Shade
- Pollen/leaves
- Bird droppings
- Obstruction of view
- Utility obstruction which is the responsibility of the utility company
- Problems with reception such as Wi-Fi
Tree survey
From October 20, 2025 we’ll be carrying out a full survey of all our tree stock across the Borough.
Trained teams from our contractors Mulberry will be carrying out the surveys; undertaking an assessment, photographing and installing a unique tag so, if we are contacted in the future, we can answer questions quickly without having to arrange a site visit.
So the contractors can carry out their surveys, they will have to access some front and rear gardens. They will not need to enter any homes.
Each colleague will carry an ID badge and if you are still unsure, please contact us to check.
Once we have the survey reports back we can then act on the findings, which will be prioritised as high, medium and low risk. Works will be prioritised over the coming years, by risk rating.
