Conservation and urban design planning - tree management

Tree Management

The local authority is responsible for the efficient management of trees in their ownership within urban and rural environments. This includes the application of tree preservation orders and the protection of other trees on council owned land.

Enfield Council values its remarkable heritage of over 20,000 street trees. Our aim is to treasure them and promote/extend the future use of trees to complement the built environment. Our current tree stock consists of a variation of species including large forest type trees such as London Plane, Lime and Maple and smaller ornamental tress such as Cherry, Apple and Plum.

Pruning

In general, all forest type trees are pruned on a 2-year cycle. However, where trees are of particular amenity/conservation value and there is adequate space, less intensive management will be carried out. Annual stemming is carried out on approximately 3,000 Lime trees to remove the growth around the base and up the trunk. In addition, some low growth is removed from the crown of Limes or from the base of other trees as deemed necessary by the Highway Arboricultural Officer.

Planting
Depending on available resources, Enfield endeavours to replace trees as they are lost. All newly planted stock is watered up to 14 times during the summer periods for the first 12 months.

Inspections
A survey of trees is completed as part of the routine maintenance programme (2-3 years depending on species). In addition, inspections of trees are carried out on an ad hoc basis throughout the year in order to identify deterioration and decease.

Storm Damage
During severe weather, Enfield’s priority is to ensure the safety of its trees and to manage the risk of any tree falling. After that, we will clear public highways to ensure safe flow of the traffic and then manage the clear up and reinstatement programme.

Tree Removal
Generally, Enfield will not remove trees unless it has reached the end of its useful life, is dangerous or where an environmental benefit will accrue. Tree removal is always at the discretion of the Highway Arboricultural Officer and in consultation with residents and the Cabinet Member for the Environment and Street Scene. Any tree that is removed at the request of a resident must be replaced with a tree in the locality at an alternative suitable location and at the cost of the requesting resident.

Eligibility
None.

Required Customer Information
None.

Service Level Agreement and Turnaround
If a member of the public requests an inspection of a tree on the public highway, we aim to inspect within 10 working days. If there is a potential danger, we endeavour to inspect immediately. During severe weather, we operate an emergency service and respond as quickly as possible.

More information about this service

Contact Us

Frequently asked questions

Address:
Highway Services Carterhatch Depot
7 Melling Drive
Enfield
EN1 4BS
Map

Telephone:
020 8379 3482
020 8379 1000

Fax:
020 8379 3494

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday
9.00 - 5.00
Out of Hours for Emergencies only
020 8379 1000

Useful Links

Grounds Maintenance – Landscaping
Planning – High Hedges
Roads – Verges - Maintenance
Roads – Obstructions
Roads – Pavements - Obstructions
Planning - Tree Preservation Orders

Arboricultural Association
Garden Law
Royal Horticultural Society
English Heritage
Tree services