FAQs about Trees in Sefton

• The tree did not or does not need pruning at the time of the inspection.
• Works are not issued on “first come first served” basis, but on evaluated H&S risk to the public. Tree works are continuously re-evaluated and moved up and down the work schedule. More urgent works (i.e. dead tree falling apart in danger of collapsing onto a street) push less urgent ones (i.e. low branches over highway) down the list.
• If you email trees@sefton.gov.uk  – we will be able to tell you if:
  • the tree is awaiting inspection
  • has been inspected and no work required
  • work is issued to prune the tree or
  • the tree is highlighted for removal
• For reasons mentioned in “Prioritising tree works” section on this page we cannot give a timescale for work identified.

Unfortunately, the limited resources do not make it possible to provide personalised update service. A tree officer will get in touch if they need more information.  Every message, email is logged and acted upon.

• If you email trees@sefton.gov.uk – we will be able to tell you if:
  • the tree is awaiting inspection
  • has been inspected and no work required
  • work is issued to prune the tree
  • the tree is highlighted for removal

For reasons mentioned in “Prioritising tree works” section on this page we cannot give a timescale for work identified.

Sefton Council will not remove or top a tree because it is perceived as “too large” or is included in “what if” scenarios. The height of a tree does not make it automatically dangerous. There is no prescriptive height a tree is allowed to grow to in urban environment.

A tree is not automatically dangerous because it grows at an angle. A tree officer will inspect the tree and assess if the tree is obstructing the road/pavement and has to be removed for H&S reasons. However, if the tree has recently been knocked over by a vehicle or vandalised it will be removed.

With heartwood degrading fungi, there are often no symptoms other than fungal fruiting bodies, some of them are seasonal and may not be present at the time of tree removal; the infected tree may have a good vigour, full crown and bear flowers every year. This is because the water and nutrient conducting vessels are on the outer side of the tree. The tree may give an impression of being healthy whilst the core that provides the tree with structural stability is compromised (please see examples in photos below). Because of the location of the tree (street tree) the tree was issued to be removed; if left it can cause an unacceptable risk to users of the highway.

All wood is recycled. The timber and/or wood chip is either delivered to a recycling centre within the borough, or is distributed to schools, allotments and community groups (free of charge). Wood from park/open space trees is sometimes left on site to help create wildlife habitats. When possible, and where it is safe to do so we occasionally leave log in accessible sites for residents to take and use, keep an eye on our social media as we often advertise this activity on there! test test

In the first instance, contact your home insurance company for advice. They will contact us if the damage is proven to be caused by the tree. Please bear in mind that the Council does not inspect private properties to ascertain if and to what degree a tree is affecting private property. If you do not have home insurance, please e-mail insurance@sefton.gov.uk for more information.

Please report it directly by e-mailing highways.enquiries@sefton.gov.uk

Please email ETSContact@sefton.gov.uk

We currently have a large backlog of stump removal to undertake. We are working through this and are attempting to remove stumps in a more timely manner. If you want to make sure that the stump outside your house is on our list, feel free to email the team at trees@sefton.gov.uk. Please be aware for reasons mentioned in “Prioritising tree works” section on this page we cannot give a timescale for work identified.