Trees

In this section:

Overview

Trees and blue sky

Solihull Forestry Team is responsible for managing trees on land owned by the Council within roads, parks and open spaces. Solihull Community Housing (SCH) have the responsibility for the management of trees on SCH land. The Forestry Service provides advice and guidance to SCH about how trees are managed.

Trees within gardens or on private land are the responsibility of the property owner. If you are facing issues due to a tree on a neighbouring property, we encourage you to have a friendly conversation with either your neighbour or the property owner to resolve the matter together. 

Dangerous trees

If a tree on Solihull Council owned land is an immediate danger or causing a health and safety risk, please call us on 0121 704 8000. 

Who to contact if the tree is not on a road or in a park

If a tree is not on Council land, please contact:

  • Solihull Community Housing on 0121 717 1515 if a tree is on housing owned land
  • the landowner if the tree is on private property or is part of a hedge line
  • schools for any trees on their land
  • Highways England if the tree is on the embankment area of the A45 or a motorway

We can carry out works on trees on Council land that:

  • are potentially hazardous. We will investigate any trees that are a danger to people or property
  • are affecting public access or highway safety. We will cut back overhanging branches that are a risk to pedestrians
  • have vegetation growing around their base. We have an annual programme (from May to September) to cut back growth at the base of trees
  • are a trip hazard. We will make safe a trip hazard caused by the growth of Council owned trees
  • are recently leaning or leaning for a period of time 
  • are moving at the roots
  • have hanging and split branches
  • have roots or cracks appearing
  • have split
  • are dead or diseased
  • blocking the public highway 
  • touching a property
  • have been implicated in damage to property 
     

We cannot carry out works on trees:

  • to stop leaves falling on the ground. We do not prune or cut down Council owned trees to prevent leaf fall or to clear leaves from private properties - this is a natural process in autumn and trimming trees will not prevent it  
  • to cut them back to increase light to a property.  We do not prune or cut down Council owned trees to improve natural light, including for solar panels. There is no legal right to light.
  • to reduce the height of tall trees if they seem overgrown. This type of work could potentially damage the tree longer term and cause further issues.
  • due to honeydew. We do not prune for honeydew or sap, this is a natural substance that does not damage cars 
  • We do not prune for fallen fruit, berries, nuts, or seeds from Council trees.  We also have no policy to remove trees with poisonous fruit or foliage (such as yew trees), however where it is suspected to be a risk we will investigate
  • due to birds nesting, roosting or fouling. Nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (and other related wildlife law)
  • due to the TV signal being blocked. Trees only get pruned if overhead cables are taught. If you are affected by a poor signal, you should speak to your provider for help
  • due to pollens and allergens 
  • with overhanging branches. You can trim branches that overhang your property, but before undertaking any work you should check whether the tree has a tree preservation order (TPO).
  • where roots are found in drains. This is usually due to another problem, for example, a broken pipe
  • that are swaying. Trees naturally sway in the wind. If you do have serious concerns please call 0121 717 1515
     

Ask us to investigate a tree on a road or in a park

Report an issue with a tree

You can also call us on 0121 704 8000.

It can take:

  • up to 3 months to inspect a tree; and
  • a further 3 months for any identified work to be completed

We prioritise work on trees that are causing a health and safety risk.

The inspection will determine if work is necessary and how it is prioritised. 

Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas

Before you consider doing any work to a tree you should find out if it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are within a Conservation Area. If the tree is protected, you will need consent by making an application or give notice to the Council.

If you need help with your gardening

If you are not physically able to maintain your garden yourself, you can contact the Family Care Trust on 0121 770 2005 or 07977 934 813.

They can give you a quote to undertake gardening works on your behalf or alternatively, you can make your own arrangements.

Memorial Trees

A memorial gives you a permanent place of reflection and comfort, where family and friends can remember a loved one for years to come.

You can request a memorial tree on our memorials in parks and open spaces page.