Having trees in urban areas has several advantages. They are able to:
- absorb pollution,
- produce oxygen,
- provide habitats for wildlife,
- improve our physical and psychological well-being, and
- supply a sustainable source of compost from leaves.
How we maintain trees
We manage and maintain over 12,000 trees on the streets of Cardiff. Every 3 years we conduct an inspection to ensure their health and structural integrity poses no risk to the public.
We will only prune or fell (cut down) a tree if it is unhealthy, dead, or presents a risk to the public.
We will not prune or fell a tree if it:
- drops leaves, blossoms, sap, berries, fruit, or seeds.
- blocks natural light or views.
- is considered too big or too tall.
- interferes with telephone wires or aerials, satellite dishes or solar panels. Open Reach own the telephone lines and has permission to cut back any trees which may be interfering with the telephone service. Please contact your service provider.
- is overhanging private property. The property owner can cut back the branches to their property boundary, unless you live in a conservation area or the tree is
protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). If you live in a conservation area or the tree is protected, you will need to
get permission from the planning department.
- has roots that are encroaching on private property. The property owner can cut back the roots to their property boundary, unless you live in a conservation area, or the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). If you live in a conservation area or the tree is protected, you will need to get permission from the planning department.
Report a problem with a tree
Tell us about a problem with a tree in a park or green space.
You can also tell us if a tree is:
- blocking a pavement,
- hanging low over the road, or
- causing a trip hazard.
Report a tree problem
Tel: 029 2233 0235
Emergencies
If a tree has fallen into the road or is an immediate risk to the public, please call Connect to Cardiff (C2C) on 029 2087 2087.
C2C only deal with emergencies. Please use the online form for other problems.
Conservation areas and TPOs
Trees are protected in conservation areas or by Tree Preservation Orders. If a tree is protected, the planning department will need to give permission before a tree is pruned, felled (cut down) or the roots are cut back.
Contact the planning department.
Trees on private land
We cannot take any action on trees that are on private land, unless they are affecting the public pavement or road. If you are experiencing any issues with a tree on private land, you will need to contact the property owner to discuss your concerns.
Contact Land Registry to find out who owns the land.
Subsidence caused by council owned trees
If your property has subsidence because of a council owned tree, you will need to contact your property insurer. The property insurer can
contact the council’s insurance department.
Tree stumps
If a tree on the pavement is felled (cut down), we might not be able to replace it at the same time. A short tree stump is left temporarily to mark where the new tree will be planted and to avoid leaving a trip hazard on the pavement.
High hedges
Find out what to do if you are
experiencing issues with a neighbouring high hedge.