Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of any tree on their land. (This responsibility may extend to occupiers or other parties where legal agreements exist).
It is always best to find out if privately owned trees are protected or covered by any other conditions before doing anything. If a tree is protected you can contact the planning department on 01483 444610 for advice on how to proceed.
For trees not covered by the above you can obtain advice from the following sources:
The Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service
Based at the Forestry Commissions Research Station at Farnham, the AAIS provides a premium enquiry line service available to home owners, tree managers, designers and anybody who from time to time may be faced with a tree related problem.
Web: www.treehelp.info (this page opens in a new window)
Tel: 09065 161147
This service is staffed five days per week from Monday to Friday between 8.45am and 5.00 pm.
Although each telephone call is charged through telephone bills at £1.50 per minute, the specialist service will save enquirers considerable time seeking information and guidance from other sources. Staff will be available to give practical guidance on aspects of trees and related subjects.
Email: admin@treeadviceservice.org.uk
The Arboricultural Association
The AA is a registered charity concerned with raising the standards of tree care and maintains a directory of registered consultants. A registered consultant of the Arboricultural Association is a person with proven experience in the assessment and management of trees at a professional level, who will be able to give you advice on all matters related to trees. The association also produces a range of publications on amenity tree care which are available at minimal cost.
Email: admin@trees.org.uk
Web: www.trees.org.uk (this page opens in a new window)
Hedges
High Hedges are an emotive issue. If you would like more information we have a High Hedges Officer who deals with all related issues and can be contacted through 01483 444 609.
Visit our high hedges pages for further details.
Practical guidelines have been published by the Department for Communities and Local Government giving advice on settling garden hedge disputes amicably.
DCLG Publications
PO Box 236
Wetherby
LS23 7NB
Tel: 0870 1226 236
Fax: 0870 1226 237
Textphone: 0870 1207 405
Email: communities@twoten.com
Both publications can be viewed on the DCLG's web site at www.communities.gov.uk (this page opens in a new window).
Please quote the ISBN when ordering.
Trees & Countryside Section
Parks & Countryside Services
Guildford Borough Council
Stoke Park Nursery
Nightingale Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 1ER
Tel: 01483 444771
Email: countryside@guildford.gov.uk