Arboricultural Association

How do I find out who owns or who is responsible for a tree?

In most cases, responsibility for a tree lies with the person who owns the land on which it stands.

Public

Responsibility

Can I prune or cut down a tree in my garden or property?

You can carry out work on a tree in your garden if it is not legally protected.

Public

Tree protection Pruning Tree Felling

How can I find out if a tree is protected?

Some trees are protected by law to safeguard their public amenity value.

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Tree law Tree protection

Do I need permission to remove a tree?

Whether you need permission depends on where the tree is and how it is protected.

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Responsibility Permission

I am worried that my neighbour’s tree is dangerous. What should I do?

If you believe a neighbour’s tree may pose a risk, it’s important to raise concerns early and seek appropriate advice.

Public

Dangerous trees

I do not know who owns a tree which is causing me concern – who do I contact?

If you are concerned about a tree but don’t know who owns it, there are practical steps you can take to identify responsibility.

Public

Responsibility Ownership

I have a tree which is outside my boundary and not under my control – whose responsibility is it?

Responsibility for a tree normally lies with the owner of the land on which the tree is growing.

Public

Responsibility Ownership

I would like to carry out work to trees on my property – do I need permission?

Whether you need permission depends on whether the tree is legally protected.

Public

Permission Responsibility

I’m worried about the safety of my tree – can a council tree officer inspect it? If not, who can?

Local council tree officers are mainly responsible for administering tree protection and planning matters. They do not normally carry out inspections of privately owned trees for safety.

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Dangerous trees Diagnose problems

My neighbours are unhappy that a tree growing in my garden overhangs their property and say they have the right to cut it back. Is this correct?

In some cases, your neighbour does have the right to cut back branches or roots that cross their boundary, but important rules apply.

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Neighbour’s tree Permission

Sooty Bark Disease

Sooty Bark Disease (SBD) is a fungal disease that primarily affects sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). The fungus may remain latent within apparently healthy trees, with disease development and spore production associated with tree stress, prolonged drought and warm conditions – factors which are becoming more common in the UK. The disease can cause severe decline and may ultimately kill host trees.

Professional

Pests and Diseases

Should ivy be removed from trees?

Ivy does not automatically harm trees, and in many cases it provides valuable wildlife habitat.

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Ivy

Help & advice

Help & advice

How do I find out who owns or who is responsible for a tree?

Can I prune or cut down a tree in my garden or property?

How can I find out if a tree is protected?

Do I need permission to remove a tree?

I am worried that my neighbour’s tree is dangerous. What should I do?

I do not know who owns a tree which is causing me concern – who do I contact?

I have a tree which is outside my boundary and not under my control – whose responsibility is it?

I would like to carry out work to trees on my property – do I need permission?

I’m worried about the safety of my tree – can a council tree officer inspect it? If not, who can?

My neighbours are unhappy that a tree growing in my garden overhangs their property and say they have the right to cut it back. Is this correct?

Sooty Bark Disease

Should ivy be removed from trees?

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