Toggle menu

Report issues with trees located on Council owned land

There are some circumstances where we will not be able to assist with tree pruning. If one of the following applies, the tree will not be pruned by Basildon Council:

Trees within a Basildon Council tenanted property boundary

  • It is the responsibility of those named on the tenancy agreement to maintain any trees within their property boundary

Trees blocking light 

  • We understand that trees may cast a shadow or reduce natural light to an area of a garden or property. This is due to seasonal cycles which cannot be managed by pruning. 

Trees overhanging a garden 

  • We understand that trees will naturally encroach into neighbouring land, which may be viewed as an unwanted nuisance. The property owner can prune back overhanging branches back to their boundary line. Please note: you should check to make sure the tree is not protected before carrying out any pruning works. 

Trees growing too big 

  • We own various tree species - each species has its own characteristics and may grow to tens of metres laterally and vertically.  We do not prune trees if the request is based on opinion that a tree is too tall, wide, or big. 

Trees blocking my view 

  • We will not prune a tree based on opinion of blocking a view from a point within a dwelling. 

Trees blocking my TV signal 

  • We will not prune trees considered to be interfering with TV or satellite signal. We would advise you to contact your network provider to help resolve the problem or consider installing a signal booster. 

Trees growing into telephone lines 

  • If a council tree is interfering with a telephone signal, we advise you to contact Openreach who will arrange pruning. 

Leaves are falling into my garden 

  • Leaves are classed as a seasonal nuisance that cannot be managed by any kind of tree pruning. We do not prune trees for this reason nor offer a leaf collection service. 

Squirrels from trees are causing a problem 

  • We cannot control wildlife from using vegetation as an access point to enter property. 

Birds in trees are making a mess on property/car etc. 

  • We cannot prevent birds from roosting or perching in trees and will not prune a tree for this reason. You may wish to consider other practical measures. 

Trees dropping sap/sticky residue on property/car etc. 

  • Tree sap, sticky residue and aphid secretions are seasonal nuisances that cause an unwanted mess. We cannot prune trees based on reasons related to pollen or allergies. 

Dropping berries, blossom, seeds, etc 

  • We do not prune for a natural occurrence. If the fruit is falling on the pavement and causing hazards, this can be reported to Basildon Council's Cleansing Department.

Tree roots and drainage systems 

  • We will not cut, remove or prune tree roots to prevent them from entering an existing damage draining system. 

If you wish to report an issue with a tree not referred to in the above list, please report this using our online form: