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The answers
How often does the council prune trees?
There is no particular period between pruning operations. Trees are pruned as and when it is necessary in order to keep them safe. The council has limited funds available for tree pruning and judges the need for pruning in accordance with the council’s pruning policies.
How tall is a tree allowed to grow
There is no limit on how tall a tree is allowed to grow. The exception to this is the case of evergreen hedges. Please see our page on high hedges for more information.
Why can’t you prune the tree outside my house?
All requests for pruning are judged against our pruning policies. These are needed because the money available for tree pruning is limited and we wish to ensure that it is spent where there is the greatest need.
My house is shaded by my neighbour’s tree. What can I do?
The first thing you should do is to talk to your neighbour. If you can not reach an amicable agreement and the shade is cast by an evergreen hedge, the council may be able to help. Please see our page on high hedges for more information. If the problem does not come from a hedge, or it is not evergreen, the council can not get involved.
If the tree in question is a council managed tree please see our pruning policies for details of the limited circumstances in which we will prune for light loss.
Can you prune the tree - there's sticky stuff on my car/patio/drive?
In accordance with the council's pruning policies, we do not normally prune trees because of honey dew - the sticky stuff that seems to come from lime trees and some others. This is actually produced by an insect and is not something over which the council has any control. It is essentially sugar and water and is best removed by regular washing.
Can you prune the tree - it's casting too much shade?
Because of limited resources we have to prioritise certain types of work. Safety always takes priority and because of this at the present we are not able to prune trees just because of light loss. The exception is that if the tree is less than 6m from a habitable window, or less than half the trees height if the tree is under 12m high, we will consider pruning. There is no guarantee though - each case is taken on its merits.
Can you prune the tree - it's interfering with my TV signal?
There is no right to good reception and in many cases it is possible to resolve issues of poor reception involving trees by finding an engineering solution. We will only consider requests to prune trees to improve reception where all the following conditions are true:
- Efforts have been made to find an engineering solution to the problem and have not been successful.
- The work required is consistent with good arboricultural practice and will not unduly affect the amenity or health of the tree
- The work required can be executed within current financial constraints
I have a problem with a tree. Whom should I contact?
Please see our page on whom to contact about trees
A tree is blocking a street lamp / hiding a road sign / low over the road; what can be done?
If the tree is in the pavement or verge in an urban area contact the District Council on 01926 456226 and we will arrange to prune it. If it is in private property, or in the verge in a rural area, contact the County Council Highways Customer Service Centre on 01926 412515. For more information see our page on whom to contact about trees
Can you plant a tree outside my house please?
If you would like a tree planting outside your house contact the council's Arboricultural Strategy Officer on 01926 456226. It is not always possible to plant trees, but we will do our best. At the moment though there is very little money available for tree planting.
I'm a council tenant. Who looks after the tree in my garden?
Council tenants are responsible for the maintenance of trees in their gardens themselves
Do the council prune privately owned trees?
Unfortunately the council can not prune trees on private land.
Can you recommend a tree surgeon?
The council are unable to recommend tree surgeons, but we do have some advice on choosing an arborist.
I have a tree with a tree preservation order on it / live in a conservation area. Can I prune my tree?
To find out more about tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas please visit our page on tree preservation.
Trees frequently asked questions (FAQs) - search for answers in the FAQ section.
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