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We own and manage about 27,000 trees. About £110,000 is spent each year on tree surgery, felling and replacement planting. Every tree in a cemetery, car park, or on open space is recorded on a database. The records are updated every five years.

To read our Tree Management Strategy please download document from bottom of page.

Tree works contract

The Council's contract for tree surgery, felling and replacement planting has recently been issued to John O'Connor Ltd using High Elms Tree Surgeons ltd as their sub-contractor. The contract is expected to run until 2011.

Trees in Aylesbury Vale

Aylesbury Vale includes parts of Bernwood and Whittlewood forests, and Whaddon Chase Woods. The district is not heavily wooded. On the extensive, low lying, clay soils one can find Oak and Ash in hedgerows and small copses. In river flood plains Poplar and Willow are common. Higher sandy soils around Great Brickhill support Pine and Birch. The edge of the chalk escarpment near Wendover has Beech woods. Maples are common in open spaces. The district is also a home to the rare Native Black Poplars.

Dangerous trees

If you think that a tree is dangerous you should report it immediately to the landowner. If it seems unstable close to a highway it should be reported to Bucks County Council, visit website at bottom of page.

If the tree is protected by law you should tell us as soon as possible so that we can verify the tree's condition and decide if replanting is needed.

If you don't know who the landowner is, or if the owner is not responding, you can write to us requesting that we use powers under the 'Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act'. Where there is a great public risk the council may make the tree safe and try to recover the costs from the landowner once they are traced.

Damage from trees to structures

Adequate footings should avoid problems to structures from growing tree roots and stems, however, lightly loaded structures may be damaged by them. Careful planting will avoid these problems. Roots may penetrate defective piping, but rarely cause damage. Clay soils that are found in the district can shrink when drying. Water taken up by plants may add to the problem and lead to movement causing cracks.

If you notice damage that you think is from a tree it is best to contact the owners of the tree at an early stage. You should contact your insurance company too.

Trees on building sites

Sometimes planning conditions are imposed to encourage the protection of trees on building sites. We work with developers to encourage suitable trees to be retained successfully.

Trees on green spaces

The council manages its trees in accordance with the tree management strategy. Follow the download below for more information.

Date Updated: 07/05/08