Timescales for tree works requests
The response times for works on trees depends on the impact on health and safety and the type of work needed.
Emergency works – responded to normally within 1 - 2hrs. Please contact 0208 770 5000 if you need to report:
- an unstable tree
- a broken or hanging branch which is overhanging a road,
footpath or right of way
- a fallen tree (or part of a tree) which is causing an obstruction to a road, footpath or major right of way
Urgent works – responded to normally within 8 weeks. These include:
- cutting back/pruning or cutting down a public tree which is
causing damage to a property
- cutting back/pruning a tree to remove or reduce a claim
against the council (if agreed with the council’s insurance department) – for
instance, a branch (from a public tree) which is touching a property and may
cause damage
- dead trees which are not an immediate threat to people or property
Routine works – are on a 4 year cyclical programme (which you can find on our Tree inspection and pruning page) and include:
- crown (branches and leaves) lifting to clear roads and
footpaths and rights of way
- crown thinning to allow more light to nearby properties
- crown reducing to cut back overhang to neighbouring
properties
- hanging branches in a park or open space
- pruning trees away from street furniture such as telephone
lines and streetlights
- stump removal