Trees, tree protection and hedges

Trees play a unique and important role in enhancing the quality of life in Redbridge. We try to protect existing trees and encourage planting new trees.

Council trees

The neighbourhood tree team are responsible for trees:

  • growing on the streets and verges
  • in parks, open spaces and on other council properties including schools

Visit Council trees for further information. 

Trees on private land 

Landowners are responsible for maintaining the trees on their land. This includes resolving any issues or damages the tree may cause.

You should get permission from the landowner before doing any work to trees.

Tree surgeons and contractors 

Approved tree works should be carried out by a qualified and insured tree surgeon. If you allow unauthorised tree pruning or felling to take place, both you and your contractor could be prosecuted. 

Arboricultural Association's directory of tree surgeons

Protected trees 

Some trees are protected. It is a criminal offence to do works to or remove protected trees without permission from the Council.

You'll need permission to work on or to remove a protected tree.

A guide to tree preservation procedures is available online.

Tree preservation orders (TPOs)

TPOs protect trees that are significant or benefit the appearance of the area.

You can complete a form with the address and details of the tree to confirm if it is protected by a TPO.

Conservation Areas

All trees that are in conservation areas and have a trunk with a diameter over 75mm are automatically protected. Some trees in a conservation area may also have a tree preservation order (TPO).

Check if your property and trees are in a conservation area

Protected by planning permission conditions

Trees can be protected during construction works by the condition attached to the planning permission.

Carrying out works to protected trees

Most protected tree works need a formal application to the Council. This can be submitted online and is free.

It is the landowner’s responsibility to submit the application and, if approved, carry out the works. The Planning Service will only assess the proposed works.

Emergency works 

If a protected tree needs immediate attention your tree surgeon must contact the Planning Service before the work takes place. You or your tree surgeon will need to provide:

  • photographic evidence of the tree in context
  • written evidence from the tree surgeon

This can be provided through a contact form.

Emergency works apply if a tree is dangerous, for example if it has split, or is resting on a property or vehicle.  All maintenance or other works require a formal application. 

Landowners are responsible for maintaining their trees to reduce the risk of them becoming dangerous. 

Replacing TPO trees 

If a tree preservation order (TPO) tree is removed through emergency works, there is a legal duty to replace it. This new tree will 'inherit' the TPO of the removed tree. 

You must submit details of the replacement tree to the Planning Service through a contact form.

Carrying out works to unprotected trees

Under Common Law you can cut back branches that overhang into your property, but not to the point of destroying the tree.

If the tree is not on your land, you should speak to your neighbour first and tell them you wish to trim the tree. You must never trespass into your neighbour’s garden without consent.

If a tree is protected you will need permission from the Council before doing any work to it or removing the tree.  

Trees and subsidence

If a tree may be causing subsidence damage to your property, you must first contact your home insurance company. They will investigate and collect any evidence of structural damage to support a potential claim.

If the tree is identified as a potential cause of the subsidence, you will need to check with the Planning Service to find out if the tree is protected before doing any work to it. 

High hedges

High hedges can affect private properties, or things managed by the council.

Hedges on private property

Disputes over the height of a hedge affecting a garden (for example blocking sunlight) are primarily the responsibility of the landowners to resolve. You may need to get private legal advice if you cannot find a resolution. 

Get advice on resolving high hedge disputes: 

You should only make a high hedge complaint to the Council as a last resort. You can do this by contacting us through the contact form.

It will be processed under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act and there is a non-refundable fee of £1,075 (per complainant address) to investigate.