Fallen or overhanging trees

If you've spotted a problem with a tree in Hillingdon - whether it’s damaged, fallen, overgrown or causing an obstruction - report it.

Our team manages thousands of trees across the borough, and your reports help us keep streets, parks and public spaces safe and well‑maintained.

Street trees and overhanging branches

Each autumn, we prune tree branches where they might obstruct roads or paths. We also cut back basal growth (tree shoots that grow at the bottom of some types of tree) to help keep drivers' sight lines clear and to make it easier for pedestrians to pass.

If a branch is touching a house or other building, we will inspect the situation and, if appropriate, arrange for the branch to be pruned back.

Normally, general requests to prune overhanging branches are added to our works programme and prioritised to ensure the most effective use of available funds. As a result, we are unlikely to carry out pruning in every instance where a public tree overhangs private land. However, residents may choose to exercise their common law rights regarding overhanging branches.

Root issues

It is hard for trees to exist in our streets and parks without causing some minor damage to footpaths, walls and other hard surfaces.

Where tree roots are causing severe damage and, subsequently, causing a threat to public safety, tree removal and replacement is sometimes considered.

Falling fruit, leaves and blossom

We generally decline requests for trees to be cut down because of falling fruit, leaves and blossom. However, we can arrange for the pavement under a particularly-productive tree to be swept if the falling produce is a significant problem.

Before you make a report

We understand that you may have other complaints about trees in the borough and aim to investigate all requests, especially those that involve safety risks. Before you report a problem about a tree, please read the following notes.

• Trees next to your property
  We take a balanced approach to requests to prune trees next to homes, as we often receive strong feedback that people do not want to live in an area where all trees have been removed. However, sometimes it is appropriate for a tree to be pruned to keep it in proportion with its location.
• Sticky residue on a parked car
  Lime trees are an important source of nectar for honeybees and we generally decline requests for removing trees for this reason. However, limes as street trees are gradually being phased out across the borough.
• Wasps and bees nests
  Requests for the removal of bees or wasps nests should be reported by calling 01895 556000.