Looking after road verges and trees

We have responsibility for looking after 4,165km of highway, which includes 125,350 trees, and grass cutting to meet highway safety requirements.

Most hedges and trees that adjoin the highway are not owned by us, but by adjacent landowners, which we do not maintain.  However, we can make sure work is carried out if they present a danger to highway users.

Trees on the highway
Neighbours trees
Verges
Grass cutting
Reporting a problem

Trees On the highway

If branches of a tree, hedge or bush are overhanging the highway and posing a danger to highway users by obscuring traffic signs/signals, we will prune the branches if the tree is owned and managed by us. If the tree is on private land we would serve notice on the landowners if necessary to ensure any danger or obstruction was removed.

Overhanging branches posing a danger to highway users can be reported using this online form or by calling tel: 08449 80 80 80.

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Neighbours’ trees and hedges

If a neighbour’s tree is in such a condition that makes it a danger to neighbouring properties, then the district council may serve a notice on the tree owner to make the tree safe within 21 days. If the owner does not take action, the district council may carry out work to make the tree safe and recover costs from the tree owner.

If a neighbour’s tree is in such a condition that makes it a danger to highway users, for example, by falling into the road, then the the highways team may serve a notice on the tree owner to remove the danger within 14 days.  If the owner does not take action, the highways team may carry out the work and recover costs from the tree owner.

If a neighbour’s tree is blocking your light you cannot force them to cut it down.  As long as the tree is safe and is not causing damage, your neighbour is entitled to grow the tree.

If a neighbours hedge is blocking your light and you wish to take action you should contact your district council for advice.

If a neighbour’s tree or hedge is growing over into your property, you cannot make them cut it back. However, you do have the right to remove overgrowing branches yourself, but only back to the common boundary as long as any arising branches etc are offered back to the tree or hedge owner

If leaves have blown onto your property from a neighbour’s tree, you cannot expect the tree owner to clean up the leaves or charge them for you doing so.

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Verges

In most cases, the owner of the adjoining land is responsible for verges at the side of the road.

If an overgrowing verge poses a danger to highway users, by obscuring a road sign for example, you should report it using this online form or by phone on tel: 08449 80 80 80.

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Grass cutting

We cut the grass six times a year in urban areas and twice a year in rural areas. This is for safety rather than visual appearance.  In urban areas the grass is cut to 75mm or below and we do not collect the grass cuttings.  We also carry out weed control twice a year.

There are a few verges which are deemed conservation verges due to the special flora and fauna they contain.  These are only cut once a year, usually in September.

Many grassed areas in and around housing estates are not part of the highway and cutting these is not our responsibility. The district council usually does this.

If you have grass cuttings from your property that you need to dispose of please contact your local district council to see if they offer a service for the collection of garden waste in your area.

Fly tipping of garden waste should be reported to the relevant district council

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Reporting a problem

• Are the verges, trees or hedges at a particular location affecting visibility?
• Are there road signs that are hidden by trees, hedges or long grass?
• Is there a tree in the highway that needs attention?

If so please report it using this online form or tel: 08449 80 80 80.

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