Council Owned Trees

Any queries on trees belonging to Hart District Council (generally in parks, commons and public open spaces, between residential development, some common land behind rear gardens, open space to the front of houses that is not adjacent to the highway) should be made to the Public Spaces. Telephone 01252 844915 or 844916. Email: grounds.maintenance@hart.gov.uk

Trees on other open spaces may be the responsiblity of Town or Parish Councils, queries should be directed to Hart Parish Councils.

Trees situated within the public highway, adjacent to the road or on roadside verges, are generally the responsibility of Hampshire County Council. You can contact the Area North Office at Hook (Telephone 0845 850 4422) or e-mail hampshirehighways.north@hants.gov.uk

Trees located near or adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal may be the responsibility of the Basingtoke Canal Authority who can be contacted on 01252 370073 or you can look at their website Basingstoke Canal Authority.

Trees help to add variety to our landscape and provide valuable habitats for many species while providing us with cleaner, filtered air. We aim to preserve Hart's trees, retaining them for future generatations to enjoy.

Work that the Council will carry out on Council owned trees

In maintaining our trees we will:

• Remove dead, dying and dangerous trees
• Remove dangerous and damaged limbs
• Remove limbs which are obscuring Highway signs, traffic lights or lamp columns

If the tree works you would like the Council to carry out are in this section, please contact the Council on grounds.maintenance@hart.gov.uk

The trees will be assessed by a Council Officer to see if works are required to be undertaken to the trees and they will be programmed as necessary.

Work that the Council will not carry out to Council owned Trees

We have no obligation to carry out the following tree works:

• Cut back branches overhanging private property.
• 'Top' trees or remove branches to increase daylight or decrease height in relation to property.
• Remove branches or trees affecting views or interfering with TV reception.
• Remove branches or trees to prevent falling leaves, honeydew from aphids or other minor debris .
• Remove roots from drains or repair root damage to structures, where the tree has not been clearly demonstrated to be the principal cause.
• Remove branches or trees to prevent potential root damage to structures.
• Remove branches nearly touching buildings, walls, roofs, fences etc.
• Remove branches or trees to prevent access to squirrels or birds.

If the tree works you would like the Council to carry out are in this Section, the Council cannot do the tree work for you.

Carrying out tree works yourself and Pruning Guidance

In common law, a property owner can cut back overhanging branches to the boundary of his / her property. We usually have no objection to property owners carrying out tree work or engaging a contractor at their own expense, provided that:

• access is not gained onto the neighbouring land or to a tree within that land. If access to our land or to a tree on that land is required, our permission must be sought.
• the tree is not situated in a Conservation Area or protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
• any work done to a tree is not detrimental to its health or stability; please obtain advice from a qualified tree surgeon.
• for tree pruning work, whoever does the work, it is carried out to an acceptable standard, in accordance with the British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work 3998:1989.
• You notify us of the proposed work and commencement date.

The Council does not carry out works to privately owned trees