SECTION MENU

Trees on estates

Trees play an important role in cities and improve our quality of life in many different ways. They provide many environmental, social, health, and economic benefits.

We manage and care for over 5,000 trees on our estates. Our goal is to care for and protect trees to ensure they are safe and healthy. We also want to increase the number and variety of trees on our estates. A skilled contractor carries out all our tree work.

Tree management

Trees are often a topic of debate - some people want them trimmed, while others prefer they stay untouched. We base our tree work on professional surveys, which help guide our plans and manage risks and budgets effectively.

Our tree program runs on a 3 to 5 year cycle. During each cycle, a specialist contractor surveys all our communal trees, and we complete any necessary work within five years based on priority. We also maintain a digital map and record of every estate tree, which is regularly updated.

We arrange urgent work if a tree poses a danger, such as:

  • Tree is snapped or blown over
  • Tree is rocking due to damaged roots
  • Tree is uprooted but held up by another tree or building
  • Large branch has broken off or is hanging from the tree
  • Tree or branch is blocking the road or footpath
  • Tree or branch is blocking access to property
  • Tree has fallen onto a house or car

Signs that a tree may be a risk to people or property (but does not require an emergency response) include:

  • Tree is dead
  • Tree is dying, showing few leaves in summer or dieback in the crown
  • Bark is loose and falling off
  • Mushrooms or fungi are growing on or near the tree
  • Old splits and cracks in the trunk or large branches
  • Smaller branches or twigs are falling from the tree

Other reasons for tree inspection and/or work include:

  • Diseased trees, such as those affected by Massaria
  • Oak trees infested with caterpillars
  • Trees touching a structure
  • Street light obstruction
  • Traffic sign obstruction
  • Trees associated with crime or anti-social behaviour
  • Trip hazards

We do not carry out work for reasons such as:

  • Bird droppings
  • Blocking of light
  • Blocking of views
  • Shedding leaves or blossoms
  • Production of sap
  • Shedding fruits, berries, or nuts
  • Poor TV or satellite reception (unless affecting communal aerial)
  • Personal medical complaints
  • Trees overhanging property
  • Wild animals or insects
  • Trees considered too big or too tall

Our tree programme includes:

  • Regular inspection of all estate trees
  • Pruning
  • Felling
  • Planting of new trees and orchards
  • Emergency tree works
  • Prevention measures to deal with known diseases

Programmed tree planting

We have an annual tree planting program that includes all council-owned land and is not restricted to street tree planting. If you are aware of any empty tree pits or would like to suggest a new site for planting, please let us know by contacting us on 020 7364 0592 or sending email to estate.services@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Privately owned trees

Trees on private property may be subject to Tree Preservation Orders or are protected as part of a conservation area.

Before carrying out any work on a tree, always contact the council's development team. For more advice for private tree owners, visit the Planning Services' Tree Management page.

If you have any queries regarding trees in the parks or on the highways, please contact Parks and Open Spaces.