Tree removal

We only consider removing Council trees in certain situations and aim to plant a replacement for every tree that we remove from the borough’s parks and streets.

When trees need to be removed

Trees may be removed if:

• They pose an unacceptable risk of injury or damage, or cause unacceptable obstruction of the public highway or footpath, which cannot be rectified by pruning or other means
• They are proven beyond reasonable doubt to be the cause of significant structural damage
• They are causing overpopulation, in which case removal or thinning of trees will be considered
• The Council’s arboriculturalists decide a species is inappropriate for its setting

This is accordance with the Council’s Adopted Tree Management Policy (pdf, 214 KB).

What happens after removal

When a tree has been removed, a replacement tree will not be planted immediately. If the tree has been removed before 31 May, we aim to plant in the following planting season, which runs from the beginning of November to the end of March. 

At the beginning of each season a schedule of planting locations will be available.

Tree stumps

Highway repair is needed at some sites to fix the damage caused by the former tree, where this is the case we may retain the tree stump and its removal will be scheduled to take place at the same time as footway works.

Where stumps have been removed, paving may be required to ensure the correct levels are met. We will follow up and create a new tree pit in advance of planting.

Our footway tree pits are constructed using root directing barriers, these are installed to encourage roots to grow away from the pavement surface in order to minimise pavement damage by roots.

If you have an enquiry about a tree stump or for any other tree removal queries please submit an enquiry.

Scheduled tree removals

Where we are planning tree removal, we aim to provide information to help to explain the reasons for removal. 

View scheduled removals:

• Reactive tree works programme February 2025 (works order 6011038)
• Reactive tree works programme January 2025 (works order 6011032)
• Reactive tree works programme December 2024 (works order 6011029)
• Reactive tree works programme November 2024 (works order 6011019)
• Reactive tree works programme October 2024 (works order 6011016)
• Reactive tree works programme September 2024 (works order 6011009)
• Reactive tree works programme July 2024 (works order 6011004)
• Reactive tree works programme May 2024 (works order 6011001)
• Reactive tree works programme November 2023 (works order 6000706)

Duty to Consult legislation

Section 115 of the Environment Act 2021 requires local highway authorities in England to consult the general public before felling street trees (known as Duty to Consult).

Duty to Consult does not apply to all trees that the Council manages. Many are exempt, including street trees that are deemed to be dangerous or the classified road network or within parks and open spaces.

For information on the Duty To Consult and the list of exemptions, see the Duty To Consult guidance.

Have your say

If you wish to comment on any of the proposals to fell a highways tree, contact the Trees Team:

• Email: trees&parks@richmond.gov.uk
• Telephone: 020 8891 1411
• Post: Tree Section, Parks and Open Spaces, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW2 7PU

Current consultations

• 21 Spencer Gardens, East Sheen