Overgrown trees bushes in park encroaching into gardens

Updates

• Thank you for your report, this is now being investigated. Information on our services and the timeframes we aim to respond in can be found: http://www.bromley.gov.uk/ fixservices

  State changed to: In progress

  Posted by Bromley Council at 19:46, Monday 6 July 2026

• As per previous enquiries for this issue, the LBB Tree Management Policy is clear with regards to the work it will / will not undertake. Bromley will only undertake works to a tree for an identified health & safety or highway obstruction issue. Please note that as outlined in our Tree Management Strategy Trees – London Borough of Bromley

  Bromley Council will not prune or remove trees in relation to the following: • Branches overhanging property boundaries or buildings • Lack of direct or indirect sunlight • Where a tree is thought be too tall, wide, large, or old • Branches and/or limbs in physical contact with telephone wires or power wires • Interference with solar panels or satellite, TV, or other media reception • Leaf fall • ANY Fruit or Seed Problems including but not limited to cherry and apple fruits, winged “helicopter” seeds, cotton covered seeds etc. • Problems associated with pollen • Excreta, mess, sap, or staining caused by insects or birds • Obstruction of the view from house windows, gardens, balconies etc • Shedding of small twigs which is considered normal, especially if they are dead or have been clipped by squirrels. Nor will we remove leaf and branch debris at the base of a tree which protect the tree from lawn mowers, strimmers and dogs

  Posted by Bromley Council at 11:34, Friday 10 July 2026

• You can exercise your common law right regarding overhanging branches, but only as follows. We require that all proposed works to a Bromley Council owned tree are sent in writing for approval. This can be a brief technical description via a FixMyStreet report.

  Please note: • You do not have the right to cut the tree down or reduce the tree in height. • You do not have the right cut beyond your property boundary. • You do not have the right to reduce the tree in size by a crown reduction, pollarding, or crown thinning.

  All pruning cuts must be executed to a professional standard with no rips, tears, stubs, or other practises that could be detrimental to the health of the tree or could in any way endanger users of the public space. You cannot leave the tree in an unsafe condition.

  You should employ a reputable tree surgeon company based on a written quote whereby you can ensure that they have valid public liability insurance for £10 million and that they are qualified to undertake the work. If any works are done on the highway, the contractor must ensure the site meets the requirements for work site signage and protection as per Chapter 8 of the Highways Act.

  Posted by Bromley Council at 11:39, Friday 10 July 2026

• While the Council does not recommend any company, we suggest you use one that is approved by the Arboriculture Association, Arboricultural Association - Find a Professional (trees.org.uk) and which is registered with Trading Standards. We recommend that you get several quotes as prices can vary greatly. Arisings must be properly disposed and cannot be left at the base of the tree, on the verge, in a public park or open space. This includes chipping, branches, leaves, and twigs. If you arrange for another person or company to dispose of this waste, they must be registered. See full details about your liability when engaging someone to haul any form of waste. Waste Carriers, Brokers, and Dealers (data.gov.uk).

  Posted by Bromley Council at 11:40, Friday 10 July 2026

• We have investigated the report issue and have made contact with the report originator and/or a subsequent commenter to outline further details. This report is now closed on FixMyStreet.

  State changed to: Closed

  Posted by Bromley Council at 11:43, Friday 10 July 2026