The council has a programme of inspections to identify trees before they get too dangerous. When necessary, we carry out reactive inspections or emergency work.
The following information is a guide to tree safety. If in doubt about whether a tree is safe or not, please report an issue with a council maintained tree.
Fallen trees and branches
We provide a 24-hour call out service to deal with broken tree branches and trees that have fallen onto the street or onto council property. To report a fallen tree or branch, please report an issue with a council maintained tree.
If you or your neighbour’s tree has fallen over into a garden we would normally consider that this matter is for you or your neighbour to deal with.
Leaning trees
Trees that have been leaning for more than three years would have been identified and safety work considered. The majority of leaning trees have been leaning for a long time and are considered to have an established lean, which is considered to be secure and the tree is too large to re-straighten. If a tree has started to lean very recently, work may be needed to straighten the tree, if it is still young, or to remove it if it is older as it may be considered to be dangerous. In these cases, please report an issue with a council maintained tree.Dead trees
As council trees are inspected so frequently, it is not normal for a tree to become immediately dangerous once it dies and our established work programmes will deal with tree removal work.
Trees moving in the ground
Trees will sway in the wind and this is natural and to be expected. What may be of concern is where a tree starts to move at the base where it meets the ground, causing cracking to the surface, and/or where a previously upright tree suddenly starts to lean. In cases where there is significant movement at a tree’s base, please report an issue with a council maintained tree.
Decaying trees, fungus and cracking
As council trees are inspected so frequently, we are normally aware of existing areas of decay and fungus. Our established inspection and work programmes will consider if work is necessary to maintain a tree in a safe condition. However, if a crack suddenly appears in a tree’s trunk or large limb, please report an issue with a council maintained tree.
Tall trees
A tree is not unsafe just because it is tall. It is unlikely that we would identify a tall tree as unsafe unless it is dead, moving at the base, or showing signs of significant decay or cracking.