Helpful Tree Information
Sometimes tree enquiries are not straight forward to resolve so the following information might be helpful:
If you are concerned about trees overhanging your boundary you are able to exercise your ‘Common Law’ right to maintain your boundary. Under Common Law you are entitled to prune back the branches or roots that grow over your boundary from neighbouring property, only to the boundary line but not beyond. You are required to offer these branches/roots back to the owner, who is not required to accept them. If that is the case it is your responsibility to dispose of the pruned branches/roots responsibly - you are not entitled to deposit them on the tree owners land without their permission.
However, if the overhanging tree is subject to protection, for example is subject to a TPO, or is within a Conservation Area or a Restrictive Covenant applies; you would require the council’s written consent before you carried out any work.
You may find the following websites useful:
- Citizens Advice Bureau: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- Arboricultural Information Exchange: http://www.aie.org.uk
If you are unsure of the ownership of the trees that concern you or your property, for a small charge you can carry out a Land Registry Search which will tell you to whom the land is registered (if it has a registered owner).
You can contact the Land Registry by:
- Telephone on 01452 511111
- Visit their website at http://www.landregisteronline.gov.uk
- Or write to them at:
Gloucester District Land Registry
Twyver House
Bruton Way
Gloucester
GL1 1DQ
If you suspect that trees (council owned or on neighbouring private land) are causing subsidence to your property then it is important that you contact your home insurance provider. Your insurance company will look into your concerns and may want to investigate the damage as part of a claim. If they believe that a council or neighbours tree is implicated in the damage, they will contact the respective tree owners on your behalf. However, should you wish to contact the council direct with your enquiry (enclosing any supporting reports or evidence) please write to the Insurance Service at:
Insurance Service
Bracknell Forest Borough Council
Easthampstead House
Town Square
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 1AQ
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