Tree branches enabling Magpies to ' beak' home windows consistently during day and night. Danger will cause broken windows.

Updates

• Thank you for reporting a problem with a street tree.

  We aim to inspect street tree problems within 10 working days of being reported, or 2 hours if the tree is dangerous. We aim to carry out any necessary work within 30 working days.

  Did you know…?
  We care for more than 20,000 street trees in Merton, including pruning, pollarding, and planting hundreds each year to keep streets green, safe, and walkable.
  

  Posted by Merton Council at 15:08, Sun 12 October 2025

• Thank you for reporting this. We've sent your report to a tree officer for investigation.

  State changed to: In progress

  Posted by Merton Council at 15:19, Sun 12 October 2025

• Sorry for the inconvenience caused. As our latest inspection, we have identified and specified the necessary tree works, including cutting back of tree branches as part of routine maintenance. Please understand that we are unable to maintain all street trees simultaneously. Borough-wide tree maintenance is prioritised by risk to public safety, so lower-risk trees will be addressed as work progresses on higher-risk ones. We apologise for not being able to provide a specific date at this time, but we are managing the work as efficiently as possible According to Merton Council’s policy document: Tree Strategy 2023–2029 and common law precedents: Residents have right to prune overhanging branches up to their property boundary, provided the tree is not protected (e.g. by a Tree Preservation Order) or in a conservation area. The pruned material remains council property, but you do not need to return it and please dispose of in legal and appropriate manner. Please note that access to council land is not permitted during such work for safety reasons. We recommend using a qualified tree surgeon for safe, professional work: https://www.trees.org.uk/ Find-a-professional

  Posted by Merton Council at 14:28, Monday 5 January 2026