Highway trees (on council land)
We maintain approximately 22,000 highway trees, and also any trees within falling distance of the public highway.
A specially trained arboriculture inspector is employed to manage highway trees. This is to ensure a high standard of tree maintenance, and includes periodic inspections of all trees within the borough. The aim of the inspection is to establish the condition of the tree and ensure it's healthy, safe, and not causing an obstruction or damage to its surroundings, for example properties, footpaths, roads etc.
The most common questions about highway trees in Middlesbrough are answered in our tree policy.
Overhanging trees (on private property)
Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of any trees, hedges or shrubbery within the perimeter of their property, which adjoin a public highway.
If any vegetation from a private property restricts a pedestrian's access on the public highway or is dangerous to vehicular traffic, action can be taken under the Highways Act 1980.
A notice will be issued to owners to seek their cooperation in trimming back the offending vegetation. However, after the notice expires, we may arrange for works to be undertaken and the costs recovered from the owners.
The most common questions about overhanging trees in Middlesbrough are answered in our tree policy.
Report
You can let us know about the following problems online:
- fallen trees
- diseased, dying, or dead trees
- fallen branches
- snapped branches (resting in tree)
- low branches overhanging the highway or footpath
- trees obstructing a street lamp
- a tree dropping leaves, fruit, or blossom
- trees causing a structural issue to a property
- uplifted or cracked footpaths as a result of a tree
Please check our tree policy before reporting any issues. The policy clearly states which issues we will not take any action on. Please do not report an issue to us if the policy states that we will not take any action on it.