How to report a problem
If you have a complaint regarding tree root related subsidence damage from street trees or any other council owned trees please contact us on 01482 300 300 or email us info@hullcc.gov.uk.
We will ask you for as much information as possible –
- an accurate location including -
- a street name
- an adjacent house number
- a shop name
- a nearby lamp post number
- the date the damage started or was first noticed
- a description of the damage, preferably with photographs
- copies of all relevant reports and monitoring data
The location will then be inspected and where repairs are necessary the tree or hedge will be cut back.
If the building is insured we would advise you to contact the insurance company to discuss the damage and if appropriate they will arrange for a professional to carry out further investigations.
If a tree or hedge is obscuring a road traffic sign please let us know immediately by calling 01482 300 300.
The following applies to trees owned by us -
We will investigate the following -
- trees touching a private property including house and garage
We may investigate the following -
- trees overhanging a private property
- fruit, berries and nuts from trees
- telephone wires and trees
- anti-social behaviour with trees
- security cameras or sensors blocked by trees
We will not prune or fell the following -
- tree roots affecting drains
- due to sap from trees
- trees blocking natural light
- trees blocking views
- due to blossom from trees
- because of wildlife and insects in trees
- trees blocking satellite television dishes
- due to bird droppings from trees
- because of leaves falling from trees
- trees obscuring solar panels
- trees considered too large
We will only take action on the above if ordered to do so by a court of law.
Access here for additional information on why we do and do not deal with these trees
Claims of damage caused by a tree
If you believe that your property is legitimately suffering subsidence damage due to the action of trees owned or managed by us or are concerned about potential damage, you are advised to contact your property insurer or Neighbourhood Housing in the first instance so that you can discuss your concerns and agree an appropriate action. Should you, or those acting on your behalf wish to make a claim for damages against the council, alleging that a tree owned or managed by us is causing subsidence damage, then you will be required to submit an independent report to the council insurance department.
Urban Forestry will not enter into any dialogue with a claimant and will only take direction from our own insurance section.
Vandalism to trees
We will investigate reports of vandalism and use enforcement to prosecute. Vandalism includes damage to newly planted trees and any unauthorised pruning, felling or similar work to mature trees.
If you see someone who may be removing trees without consent please report this to us on 01482 300 300 or via email info@hullcc.gov.uk.
Wildlife and insects in trees
We will not prune or fell any tree owned or managed us to remove or reduce incidence of bees, wasps and other insects or wild animals.
Bees are protected species and advice should be taken before considering their removal.
You may be able to dispose of individual wasps using an aerosol insect-repellent spray, but this will not control or eliminate the nest itself. Ideally the whole nest should be destroyed. This can be achieved with great caution but it is far safer to use pest control experts.