Council owned trees

We carry out regular tree risk management inspections on trees at:

• parks
• countryside sites
• car parks
• cemeteries
• all council housing land

We do this to make sure that the risk of harm from our trees is as low as reasonably practicable.

After a tree inspection, any remedial work will be carried out in good time. We will group less urgent works together. These works will be carried out when we next arrange a large-scale contract. Contracts are dependant on time of year (e.g avoiding bird nesting season), our workload and available budget.

We cannot help with:

• private tree issues
• tree issues between neighbours
• inspecting trees on private land as we are not responsible for these trees

Trees on private land are the responsibility and liability of the landowner. If the landowner is unknown, you can search for them using the Land Registry (opens new window).

Some trees within our borough are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). To carry out work to a tree protected under a TPO, you need permission. You must apply to the planning department if you wish to carry out work on a tree protected by a TPO. This also applies to trees within a conservation area. Special provisions apply to trees within a conservation area.

You can use the 'About my area' section of your MyGuildford account (opens new window) to find out about local TPOs and conservation areas.

Always ask for proof of 'public liability insurance' before letting individuals or companies work on your trees. You can find approved tree surgeons and consultants on the Arboricultural Association website (opens new window).

Occupiers of a property have a right in common law to prune branches overhanging their boundary. 

You could ask the advice of a tree surgeon (arborist) if you are unsure how much pruning you can do.

The Arboricultural Association (opens new window) offer:

• guidance on how to choose a tree surgeon
• an approved contractor scheme

If a tree is:

• protected by a Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
• in a conservation area

You must request permission to cut overhanging branches.

We only prune trees if our inspections show that there is a risk of harm from tree failure. If a tree has direct contact with property or is blocking access.

We value all our trees and only ever fell them as a last resort and when there is no other way to safely keep them. We try to keep dead trees, or dead wood on the ground in areas where this does not create a hazard to people or property. Dead wood is a very important resource for wildlife.

We do not carry out non-essential tree work, such as cutting back branches overhanging a property. (Unless they are causing damage or are in direct contact with a property). We focus our limited resources where they are most needed. This includes work to trees that reduces the risk of harm to persons or property.

There is no legal restriction on the size a tree can grow.
We do not prune our trees to increase light levels to a nearby property. We focus our limited resources where they are most needed . This includes work to trees that reduces the risk of harm to persons or property.

We do not carry out non-essential tree work, such as removing or pruning trees to prevent the dropping of:

• honeydew 
• tree seeds
• leaves 
• fruits
• cones
• needles

Tree debris can be a nuisance, such as:

• littering your garden 
• filling-up gutters

We are not required by law to clear this from private property. We do not accept liability for damage as a result of natural deposits from trees. 

We do not inspect street trees. These trees are the responsibility of Surrey County Council. 

Report a street tree problem to Surrey County Council (opens new window)

The aims of woodland management include:

• encouraging you to use our woodlands by keeping them accessible for recreation
• maintaining and improving the landscape of the woodlands
• increasing the value of woodland for wildlife

Our woodland management works aim to maintain and develop a multi-layered woodland habitat. Such as bluebell woods at the Chantries. Works include coppicing, thinning and removing trees.

We aim to improve habitat for the rare and declining hazel dormouse that lives on some of our sites. We also manage populations of sensitive ancient and veteran (older) trees at some of our sites. This includes:

• 'haloing' work which involves removing competing trees/vegetation in stages
• specialised pruning work to improve the structure and make the tree stable
• improving the quality of the rooting environment and the health of the tree

All these treatments aim to improve the trees so that they live longer.

We hope that you will visit and enjoy the fantastic woodlands that we have in Guildford.

Trees and woodland play a prominent role in the Surrey landscape. Trees have an intrinsic appeal as landscape and cultural features. They also have a high biological and heritage value. For further information on the benefits of trees please visit the Forestry Commission (opens new window) and Arboricultural Association (opens new window) websites.

We use the 'right tree, right place' mantra. We want to establish a diverse and resilient tree stock.

We aim to:

• increase the number of trees each year
• apply for external grants to cover costs
• replace trees that have been removed following inspections
• seek out new planting locations across the borough

We are working in partnership with Surrey County Council. We aim to deliver the Local Authority Treescape Fund (opens new window) over the next few years.

Planting runs from October to March and covers all council owned land.

How many trees have we planted?

We plant both standard trees and whips. Whips are unbranched young tree seedlings about 0.5 to 1 metre in height.

Tree planting guidance

• What to think about when planting a tree (opens new window)
• ​​How to plant a tree (opens new window)

Guildford Borough Council 

Read the frequently asked questions above before reporting a problem with a Guildford Borough Council owned tree. 

If your question hasn't been answered above, you can report it below.

Once you have submitted a form, we will review it. If the tree is dangerous and risks harm to either people or property, we'll come and take the action needed. If you have asked us to, we will let you know the outcome of the inspection by e-mail.

Report a tree problem to Guildford Borough Council

Surrey County Council 

Surrey County Council are responsible for trees near public roads, pavements and footpaths. They are not responsible for trees on private roads or property.

Report a tree problem to Surrey County Council (opens new window)