Our trees are not routinely pruned

Trees don't need pruning to keep them healthy. Tall trees are not in themselves a health and safety risk.

Please be assured that council trees are inspected by our qualified tree inspectors along our roads, footpaths, parks and open spaces as a priority every 2 years. All other council trees are inspected and assessed over a 4-year period according to their priority. This approach both protects the city's trees for future generations to enjoy and manages risk to people and property.

When do we inspect trees?

We will inspect the tree, carry out any work needed to make it safe if a tree:

  • is dead
  • has fallen down
  • is damaged, diseased or unhealthy
  • is touching a building
  • is blocking a streetlight
  • is blocking traffic lights or a warning sign

Our highway department will investigate tree roots causing a trip hazard on the pavement and repair.

All the work we complete is carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Works – Recommendation, industry best practices and guidance.

What we are unable to deal with

The Council does not maintain the following:

Pruning our trees

All the work we complete is carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Works – Recommendation, industry best practices and guidance.

Can I Prune/Fell a Council Tree? 

No — it is illegal for anyone other than authorised personnel, acting with formal permission, to prune, damage, or fell a tree owned or managed by the local authority. Many council trees are protected under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, specifically through Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or by virtue of being located within Conservation Areas.

Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, intentionally or recklessly causing damage to property belonging to another — including council-owned trees — without lawful excuse is a prosecutable offence. This includes pruning, cutting, or felling without permission.

Unauthorised works — including cutting, lopping, uprooting, or wilful damage — may constitute a criminal offence under Section 210 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which carries strict liability. This means:

  • You can be prosecuted even without intent to cause harm
  • Fines can reach £20,000 per offence in Magistrates’ Court
  • Unlimited fines may be imposed in Crown Court for serious breaches

If you believe a tree requires attention due to safety concerns or health issues, you must contact Wolverhampton City Council. Never attempt work on a council tree without written consent doing so risks legal action and financial penalties.

What you can do

Requests from the public have a big impact on keeping the City green. Being aware of what we can deal with makes sure requests are well-grounded, reasoned and considerate. Without such consideration and care, many trees may be lost or damaged.

Please contact us if you see a tree that is dead, has fallen down or if you think it is damaged/unhealthy/diseased. Report someone you believe is or has pruned or cut down a council tree.

We will respond to all council tree enquiries within our service standards.

Council Trees Overhanging Private Property – Rights and Responsibilities

Under common law rights, property owners in England have the legal right to abate a nuisance caused by overhanging branches or encroaching roots from neighbouring land. This means you may prune branches or remove roots that cross into your property — but only up to your boundary line and without trespassing onto council land.

However, when dealing with trees owned or managed by the Council, the following conditions must be strictly observed:

Before Carrying Out Any Work

You must:

  • Obtain written consent from the Council before accessing council land or working on council-owned trees.
  • Seek prior approval from the Planning Tree Officer if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is located within a Conservation Area.
  • Unauthorised work on protected trees is a criminal offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Tree Preservation Regulations 2012, and may result in prosecution.

During and After the Work

You are responsible for:

  • Carrying out all works from your own property, unless explicit access permission is granted.
  • Disposing of all arisings (cut branches, leaves, etc.) yourself. These must not be left on council land.
  • Ensuring all work complies with BS3998:2010 – Tree Work Recommendations, the British Standard for safe and sustainable arboricultural practices.
  • Avoiding harm to the tree’s health, structure, or long-term stability. If the tree is damaged or destabilised, the Council may investigate and seek compensation for any loss or remedial costs incurred.
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