If you need to report something that is causing an immediate danger, is an emergency or a threat to public safety please call 0300 1234 222 (24 hour service) giving details of the location.
What we are responsible for
We carry out specialist surveys of trees within falling distance of the road. Where dangerous trees or obstructions have been identified we will take action. We either deal with issues on our highway land or notify private landowners of our concerns.
Report an issue with a tree
If you wish to report an issue for the following, please use the link below:
- fallen tree/branch causing a concern on the highway
- tree encroachment
- unstable tree
- dead/dying tree
Please note we only cut vegetation to ensure highway safety and enable other highway works.
If your concern purely related to how a tree looks, please contact us via general enquiries.
Landowner responsibility
Not all roadside verge maintenance is carried out by us. Most hedge cutting along the highway is by the adjacent landowner, often farmers. Landowners may cut the verge as well as their hedges. Individuals also cut verges in the vicinity of their properties for aesthetic purposes.
Hedge or tree cutting on properties next to the highway is generally the responsibility of the landowner.
We recommend that regular maintenance of hedgerows is undertaken. Regular maintenance prevents side growth and low-lying branches extending into the road.
Landowners have a duty to ensure that trees within falling distance of the highway are safe. This responsibility includes tree’s rooted in Cornish hedges that form the boundary to the highway.
This is particularly important after storm events.
Where unsure, we recommend you seek professional advice from a tree specialist.
View further advice on your responsibilities and how to choose the right professional.
To keep all highway users safe and avoid statutory action we ask that you or your contractor ensures:
- That side growth is clear of edge/boundary of the maintained highway.
- At least 2.1m clearance above the surface of footways.
- At least 2.5m clearance above the surface of cycleways.
- Enough clearance for high sided vehicles. Often this will be at least 5.2m above the surface of the highway.
- That branches and vegetation are not touching or obstructing highway signs.
- Branches are not in contact with or blocking streetlights.
- Vegetation is not obscuring junctions, on bends or passing places.
More information about:
Work to maintain hedgerows from the road, should be completed by an accredited contractor. Contractors must have the required licenses to work on the highway. They should also be familiar with relevant legislation. this includes landscape designations, such as Tree Preservation Orders and wildlife law.
Landowners must also adhere to legislation relating to the control of non-native invasive plants. For example, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Ragwort.
Find out about things to consider before starting work.