Trees & Tree Maintenance

If the tree is on council-owned property, the local authority will assess it once a report is made. Action will be taken if the tree poses a safety risk. If the tree is healthy and not hazardous, the council is not required to prune or remove it simply due to nuisance issues like shading or leaf fall.

If a tree on private land is encroaching onto your property, you have the right to prune branches or roots up to the boundary line. You must not trespass onto the neighbour’s land or damage the tree in a way that could make it unsafe.

The local authority is not responsible for resolving tree disputes between private landowners, but common sense and good communication applies.

Trees in public spaces are managed by the local authority. If a tree poses a danger to public or private housing, we will inspect it and carry out any necessary safety work. We do not intervene for minor issues such as leaf fall, shade, or blocked views unless a safety risk is identified.

Yes. Under the Wildlife Act 1976, cutting or destroying trees and hedges is restricted between 1st March and 31st August to protect nesting birds. Work during this period is only permitted if necessary for safety reasons.

Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). These trees cannot be pruned or removed without formal permission from the council, unless immediate work is needed for safety reasons.

Landowners, including the Council, must maintain trees to prevent danger to the public. If a tree that is the Council's responsibility causes damage or injury due to neglect, the Council may be held liable. We actively manage and inspect trees in public areas to reduce this risk.

You can report a dangerous tree by contacting the local authority directly through our customer service line, online service request form, or by visiting our customer service offices. Please provide as much detail as possible, including the location and nature of the issue.

No. The Council does not remove or prune trees for reasons such as blocking sunlight, leaf fall, bird droppings, or minor seasonal nuisances. Our interventions focus on safety and the health of the tree.

Once a report is received, the Council will arrange for an inspection by a qualified officer. The tree will be assessed for health, stability, and any risks it may pose. If work is needed for safety reasons, it will be scheduled as part of our maintenance programme.

Trees along private roads are generally the responsibility of the landowners or residents' associations. Unless the road has been formally taken in charge by the council, the local authority has no responsibility for maintaining trees on private roads.

No. Trees on public land remain under the ownership and control of the Council. If you believe a Council-owned tree is encroaching onto your property, you should report it to us. Residents are not advised to prune or remove Council-owned trees themselves.

For public verges and roadside vegetation, yes.  Councils manage cutbacks to maintain visibility and safety.

Private landowners must keep their vegetation/hedgerows/ditches trimmed if it impacts public roads or paths.

You can report it to Waterford City & County Council. We'll inspect and, if needed, prune, brace, or remove the tree/hazard.