Trees

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