Tree near No. 28 Arthur Road

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 13:27, Wednesday 11 March 2026

• Thank you for your report. Residents usually report about overhanging branches for the issues of loss of blossom, fruit, sap or leaves as well as bird droppings from trees. Unfortunately, the loss of blossom, fruit, sap or leaves as well as bird droppings from trees is part of the natural cycle. They are not considered to be a legal nuisance and cannot be suitably or satisfactorily controlled by pruning. Some may concern about tree crown block sunlight to their houses. However, there is no ‘right to light’ in relation to trees, in either statutory law or under common law. Council trees will not be pruned to improve light penetration into properties. It is common that they believe council have duty to prune the public tree branches overhanging within their properties. Unfortunately, council have no common law or statutory duty to prune our trees just overhanging. That’s the same situation as a neighbour’s tree just overhanging. We are sorry for there is very little we can do to minimise above tree related issues beyond removing the trees entirely, and as well as having an environmental cost. A full crown tree has high value environmentally, ecologically, socially and economically as well as plays important role in mitigation of climate change. It serves both residents nearby and wider community. 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

  State changed to: Closed

  Posted by Merton Council at 14:42, Tuesday 21 April 2026