Tree preservation

The council is responsible for the efficient management and maintenance of trees in the authority.

The law protects certain individual and groups of trees. Those trees that have Tree Preservations Orders (TPOs) or that fall within conservation areas are protected under a range of legislation that makes it an offence to carry out work on those trees without permission from the local authority.

Trees that grow in council owned property or on public open spaces are also protected as they are considered council property. Anyone who wilfully damages these can be prosecuted.

The authority has its own professional tree officers who regularly inspect trees to ensure that they are safe, in good condition and to pinpoint any work requirements.

Specialist tree contractors are employed to carry out all appropriate tree maintenance to trees owned by the council.

If you have any queries or would like advice about tree care and maintenance, please use the contact details below.

Some advice for private tree owners

• Always contact the local authority to ensure that the trees are not protected by a Tree Protection Order, planning constraints or that the tree falls within a conservation area
• Always employ a suitably trained professional tree surgeon, who is covered by public liability insurance, (ask for proof)
• Never employ house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional tree surgeons
• Reputable tree surgeons will always have some form of professional identification and qualification proof. Always ask to see this
• Reputable tree surgeons can be found in the Yellow Pages or contact us for further advice

Contact details for trees in parks or on highways

E-mail: parks@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 3108
Fax: 020 7364 3186

Contact details for trees on housing estates

E-mail: dave.collison@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 1418
Fax: 020 7364 0814

Pid No: 505