Tree and hedge management
Protected trees on private land
Tree Preservation Orders
The Council has specific powers to protect trees which are considered to have amenity value. This is done by making a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) which, in general, makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot or wilfully damage a tree.
For more information about TPOs and to find out whether a tree is prrotected by a Tree Preservation Order, visit the Tree Preservation Order page.
Trees in conservation areas
All trees, the trunks of which are more than 75 mm (3 inches) in diameter at a point 1.5 metres above ground level, in conservation areas are protected.
It is an offence to cut down, lop, top or wilfully destroy any tree that is situated in a conservation area. The Council requires six weeks' notice of any tree works proposed. Notification forms can be obtained from the Tree Officer by calling (01902) 555640 or 555621.
Some trees in conservation areas are further protected by Tree Preservation Orders and consent for works must be obtained before starting any works.
Dangerous trees on private land
If a tree is thought to be dangerous the landowner should be informed immediately.
If a dangerous tree on private land is close to a highway or a public footpath the Council should be informed on (01902) 555888 or 555640. Where there is a risk to public safety the Council can make a tree safe and recover the costs from the owner.
Council owned trees
Queries about trees on Council owned land, in public open spaces, parks and the street should be directed to the Leisure Services Tree Officer on (01902) 555155.
For trees in the gardens of Council houses contact the Local Housing Office for the area.
Tree Surgeons
It is advisable to use a qualified tree surgeon when carrying out work to a tree, in particular when it is protected. A tree surgeon should be able to offer professional advice on pruning, disease control, felling and replacement planting.
The Council does not carry out inspections of, or works to trees on private land. The Council is also unable to make any financial contribution towards works to protected trees on privately owned land.
When commissioning work from a tree surgeon the Council recommends that more than one competitive quotation is obtained. Owners should also ensure that they and the tree surgeon have adequate insurance cover that includes public liability insurance.
The Council maintains a list of tree contractors who are known to undertake work in the city, but cannot endorse or accept any liability for work undertaken by these contractors. To view a copy of the list, click on the PDF icon below:
A list of tree surgeons approved by the Arboricultural Association can also be found on their web site.
Hedges
Hedges can become a problem especially if they are allowed to grow unchecked and this can often lead to disputes between neighbours. This has been recognised by Central Government and Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 enables Local Authorities to deal with complaints about high hedges when negotiations between the parties involved cannot resolve the issue. Administration of the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act is carried out by the Council's Public Protection team.
Enquiries and complaints about high hedges should be directed to Environmental Health section by calling (01902) 551155. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has produced three useful advice leaflets entitled 'Over the garden hedge', 'High Hedges - complaining to the Council' and 'High Hedges - appealing against the Council's decision'.
Historic hedgerows
There are very few historic hedgerows in the area of the city as defined in the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. Contact the Black Country Archaeologist for further information.
For more information on tree and hedge management visit the website for the Department for Communities and Local Government.