Tree overhanging into my back garden.

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 10:22, Tuesday 3 February 2026

• Thank you for your report. As record, Robinson Road is in our pollarding regime. Please accept our apologies of postponed pollarding works. Please understand that due to resource constraint and urgent tree works e.g. after storm and high risk trees, taken priority. We cannot complete our works as schedule. We will pollard your street as soon as we can. Sorry for not being able to provide a concrete date at the moment. According to Merton Council’s policy document: Tree Strategy 2023–2029 and common law precedents: Residents have right to prune overhanging branches or encroaching roots up to their property boundary, provided the tree is not protected (e.g. by a Tree Preservation Order or in a conservation area). Please note that access to council land is not permitted during such work for safety reasons. The pruned material remains council property, but you do not need to return it and please dispose of in legal and appropriate manner. Removing a large proportion of a tree’s crown can adversely affect its health and increase the risk of decline or death. Please only prune back as necessary. We recommend using a qualified tree surgeon for safe, professional work: https://www.trees.org.uk/ Find-a-professional

  Posted by Merton Council at 15:40, Thursday 19 March 2026