This form is for reporting trees that are believed to be immediately dangerous, not for routine service requests.
Most trees have some defects, but these don’t usually make the tree dangerous.
Defects can include small dead branches from squirrels stripping bark or minor decay spots where the tree has been damaged by bacteria or fungi.
What matters is the type and size of the defect in deciding whether a tree is dangerous.
Please read the guidance to help you decide if you are making a regular service request or reporting a tree that poses an immediate danger.
Guidance
The tree is too tall, too big, or has a wide crown: A tall tree or one with a broad crown doesn’t automatically make it dangerous. Trees grow based on their type and external factors like nearby buildings, competition from other trees, soil quality, and the local climate.
The tree sways in the wind: A tree swaying in the wind is not necessarily dangerous. Trees naturally bend and sway as a way to prevent branches from breaking.
The tree has a lean: A tree that has grown leaning to one side is not automatically dangerous. Trees grow thicker on the leaning side to stay stable. However, if a tree that was once upright suddenly starts leaning, there may be an issue.
The tree is hollow: Some hollow trees can be dangerous if the hollow area has weak surrounding tissue, but this is not always the case. Hollowing takes many years, and while the centre (heartwood) may decay, the outer wood (sapwood) remains healthy. The tree’s strength depends on how much healthy tissue is left. It’s a good idea to have an expert inspect the tree.
If this guidance describes the tree you have a query about then it's probably not dangerous. Please don't complete this form and read our page on how to request work on a Council owned tree:
Dangerous trees
Here are some common signs that may make a tree dangerous:
- The tree suddenly leans when it was previously upright.
- There’s significant decay in the main trunk or large branches.
- Large broken branches are hanging in the tree’s crown.
- Branches or branch splits are unstable from damage or strong winds.
- The tree has fallen or part of it has fallen.
- There are fungal growths on the tree or around its base.
- The tree is obviously dead.
- The tree has severe dieback and looks "stag-headed" (with a lot of dead or missing branches).
- There’s a lot of dead wood in the tree's crown.
If you think one of the Council's trees is dangerous, please report it right away using this form.
If the tree you have reported isn't dangerous we will not respond to your query.