East Suffolk Council

Report a problem with a tree

Contact East Suffolk Services Ltd to report a tree problem if the situation is definitely considered to be dangerous and immediate action is required, because:

• there is a danger to you
• to members of the public
• or possible damage to property

Otherwise you can report a tree online and we will investigate in due course.

What will the council do when informed of a problem with a tree?

We will attempt to help residents with all enquiries relating to trees. Every enquiry received will be investigated and action will be taken on council-owned trees where appropriate.

What we will do:

• Inspect a tree to assess its health and stability
• Raise a low crown over roads, paths or cycle ways
• Reduce branches away from a building
• Reduce or remove snapped or broken branches
• Thin the crowns of trees to improve health and vigour.
• Remove a tree that is causing damage to property
• Remove tree stumps
• Plant trees where appropriate

What we won't do:

• Fell healthy trees
• Pollard or severely reduce the height of healthy trees
• Any other work that will compromise the health of a tree
• Prune trees solely to improve light levels at properties
• Prune trees to solely to improve light levels, TV reception or solar panel performance
• Prune or fell trees solely to remove or reduce seasonal occurrences, such as leaf fall or honeydew drip

What happens if the council is responsible for a tree?

Many of the trees in the district are the responsibility of the council and we also exercise an influence over other trees on land we do not own.

Typically, council-owned trees are in parks and playing fields, open spaces, housing estates, car parks, cemeteries and closed churchyards.

Every enquiry received will be investigated by East Suffolk Services, who will attempt to help residents with all enquiries, and action will be taken on council-owned trees where appropriate.

However, work has to be prioritised on health and safety grounds and available resources. There will be occasions when work to prune or fell trees cannot be justified, and others where a long delay may occur before non-priority work is undertaken.