Trees maintained by the council

We maintain more than 30,000 individual trees, 30 hectares of tree belt and many woodlands. We also manage trees on verges in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield and the 'urban' areas of Welwyn, Welham Green, Little Heath, Northaw and Cuffley.

Trees on the roadside in Digswell, Oaklands and Essendon are maintained by Hertfordshire County Council.

We inspected trees on a three year rolling program to assess their health and structural condition. We prioritise work by safety for people and tree health.

Report a problem with a council owned tree

Tree Maintenance Policy

All trees managed by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council are maintained within the policies laid out in the Trees and Woodlands Strategy.

We will carry out works to its trees where;

• a risk assessment has identified decay, structural damage or any symptom of imminent failure;
• physical encroachment, where branches are touching buildings;
• vehicular and pedestrian safety is compromised;
• sight lines are required to be maintained e.g. road signs, street lights etc;
• previous pruning regimes have dictated that a continuance of such measures remains appropriate for that specimen, e.g. periodic reductions, pollarding;
• where there is proven tree root subsidence damage to property.

We will not carry out works to its trees to;

• increase the amount of sunlight reaching a property or where views are obstructed;
• improve reception for mobile phone, satellite and television reception or improved CCTV coverage;
• allow light to reach solar panelling;
• alleviate problems caused by natural or seasonal phenomena e.g. sap, pollen, leaves, seeds, bird droppings, flowers, nuts and/or berries;
• alleviate build up of algae and moss or prevent dampness on paths, structures or gardens; alleviate potential insurance and subsidence issues unless supported by evidence such as a relevant engineering report;
• resolve footpath, heave or trip hazards caused by root ingress unless no viable alternative can be found to alleviate the problems;
• facilitate vehicle crossovers unless the tree has a very limited life expectancy or is at an age where is can be relocated elsewhere. In this case, any associated costs will be borne by the crossover applicant.
• remove lower branches from specimen trees. These will be trees chosen to grow in their natural form, where access beneath the crown is not required.

The trees we manage on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council are also maintained in accordance with the Counties Highway Tree Strategy and Guidance Document.