Trees, hedges & your property

If a tree is protected, either by a Tree Preservation Order or because it is located within a Conservation Area, you must contact us before carrying out any work to the tree.

My neighbour’s trees/hedges/plants are too high/wide. What can I do?

If the hedge is mostly evergreen, you may be able to make a complaint to us under the ‘High Hedge’ procedure (Legislation was introduced on 1 June 2005 under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003: Part 8, which governs complaints about high hedges). See our High hedges FAQ page for details.

I have a problem with a ‘council’ tree, what can I do?

If the tree is on the highway verge, then you can report it via the Norfolk County Council website [external link], or call the Area Highways Office on 0845 7581761.

If you are a tenant of the Saffron Housing Trust, then you should contact them on 01508 532000 or visit the Saffron website [external link].

If the tree is on a South Norfolk play area, public open space or leisure area, then contact South Norfolk Leisure Services on 01508 533947.

If the tree is on land that may be owned by the Parish Council, then you should contact your Parish Clerk.

I have a big tree near my property, I am worried about the damage the roots may be doing to my house, what should I do?

Tree roots may potentially cause damage to structures in two ways:

1. Direct damage – this is when the physical expansion of tree roots lifts paving stones, cracks walls and so on. Due to the weight of a house, no amount of physical expansion will affect it – but garden walls and small structures such as garages or outbuildings may be at risk.

2. Indirect damage – large build structures including houses which are sited on clay soils may be affected by a tree’s removal of moisture. Clay soil shrinks as water is extracted from it and this can lead to subsidence. If a building has been built on clay soil near a tree and that tree is then removed, the soil may expand and cause heave. The risk of such damage may be greater with older properties. Modern building standards mean that the risk to newer buildings is less.

Tree related subsidence is usually seasonal, with cracks appearing in the summer months as the tree uses water, and then closing in the winter months as rain wets the soil. Direct damage to shallow footed structures may occur whatever the soil type.

A tree is lifting paving slabs/affecting my drive – can I cut the roots of a protected tree?

Cutting the roots of any tree is not a good idea as it may affect the tree’s health and stability.

If a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, or if it stands in a Conservation Area you must contact us before any work can take place.

Tree roots are blocking my drains, what can I do?

It is very unusual for roots to physically break drains and associated pipe work. However, tree roots are opportunistic and an old pipe with poor joints that is leaking into the surrounding soil will attract roots that may then exploit the existing weakness. When the pipe is examined, the presence of tree roots often leads to the tree being recorded as the cause of the problem.

Replacement of faulty drains/pipes with modern materials should stop the leak and prevent the roots from damaging the new pipe work.

Are there any controls on the type of tree I can plant in my garden?

There are no controls on the types of tree that can be planted in your garden. However, before planting here are some points worth considering:

• Space – how much is available?
• What will be the eventual size of the tree?
• Are there any overhead or underground restrictions such as cablesor drains?
• What is the position of the tree in relation to the building? When it grows, will it block the sun at certain times of the day?
• Do you have any plans to extend your house, particularly with a conservatory? Will the tree be too close to such a structure?

The recent legislation regarding high hedges means that planting fast growing conifer hedging may not be a good idea.

Norfolk County Council: report problem trees near the highway
Online form for reporting problems with trees on or near the highway (e.g. fallen trees, branches dangerously overhanging the road).

Saffron Housing Trust
Contact details for Saffron Housing Trsut, to report problems with a tree on premises owned by them.