Trees on private property

Under the duty of care, landowners (or sometimes their tenants) are responsible for the safety of their trees. If you are concerned about a tree on private land the following steps are recommended:

1. Write to the occupier and tree owner sharing your concerns and asking them to have the tree checked by an arboriculturist. If that fails;
2. Seek advice from an independent arboriculturist and or third party mediation. If that fails;
3. Consider legal advice. It may be possible to secure a court injunction requiring the owner to deal with the tree.

You can get landowner details from the Land Registry.

See online guidance on trees and the law from the Arboriculture Association.

Dangerous protected (TPO or conservation area) trees 

For emergency situations, the regulations require the council be given five days notice in writing of any emergency TPO works. 

Written notice should include, the location and species of the tree, the TPO number, the threat and the justification for the work, and should be emailed to planningconservation@lambeth.gov.uk.