Trees, woodlands and hedges - FAQs

You must have permission to undertake works on trees if they're covered by a tree preservation order (TPO), or if they fall within a conservation area (you can ask us if your trees are protected). You may also need a felling licence from the Forestry Commission if you are felling more than 5m³ of timber in a calendar quarter, though gardens and certain other sites are exempt from felling licences.

Further details on when a felling licence is needed can be found within the Tree felling: getting permission guidance.

Unfortunately, Shropshire Council is not able to get involved in an issue between two neighbours over a privately owned tree; any dispute would be considered a civil issue or something to bring up with your insurance company if damage is caused by the tree.

You do have a right under common law to cut back overhanging branches to the property (subject to checking with us first whether the tree is protected). Care should be exercised when pruning overhanging growth so as not to affect the health or stability of the tree(s) in question. A reputable tree surgeon would be able to offer advice in this respect, should you choose to engage one.

Take a look at our Tree surgeons page for more information

A tree is owned by (and therefore the responsibility of) the person on whose land it stands. If a tree straddles a border, ownership lies with the land on which it was originally planted. This can be difficult to determine, so in practice shared ownership is often assumed.

For all practical purposes trees in the highway are the responsibility of our Roads and Highways team, which has an interest in ensuring that these trees do not present a danger to highway users. The council can require landowners to remove or prune trees adjacent to the highway if they are considered to be dangerous.

For more information, contact your solicitor, or the relevant highways manager in Highways Maintenance.

Advice on the what, where and how of tree planting can be found in the Arboricultural Association's Introductory Guide to Young Tree Establishment.

Take a look at our Tree Safety Policy for a comprehensive guide to working safely with trees.

Ash dieback is fungal disease affecting the common ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) and other Fraxinus species. Below is a list of helpful links and guidance on managing affected ash trees:

• Managing ash trees affected by ash dieback: operations note 46a – Forestry Commission
• Ash dieback tree owners’ guide – Tree Council
• Ash dieback: Forest Research
• Woodland Trust - ash dieback

If you’ve spotted the signs and symptoms of ash dieback report them through TreeAlert on the Forest Research website.