Trees

Surrey is one of the most wooded counties in the country and Tandridge District has extensive woodland, much of which is designated as semi-natural ancient woodland.

The District also has thousands of individual trees in both rural and urban locations. It has a collection of ancient trees, some of which have achieved national recognition such as the Lingfield Oak, the Tandridge Yew and the Crowhurst Yew (see pictures below).

The Council is responsible for trees:

• Protected by a Tree Preservation Order
• Protected by Conservation Area Controls
• Controlled by planning conditions attached to a planning permission.

If you want to carry out works to a tree you own and are not sure whether you need permission, please write to us at the address below. You need to enclose a detailed plan of the position of the tree(s), preferable identifying the species and ask if it is subject to any of the above controls.

The Council also:

• Makes new Tree Preservation Orders and is responsible for investigating reports of alleged unauthorised works to trees. In some cases this can lead to a prosecution.
• Liaises with the Forestry Authority about felling licences and woodland grant applications where protected woodland is affected.
• Considers the affect of development proposals on trees on potential development sites.
• Considers landscaping proposals submitted with planning applications.
• Implements the Hedgerow Regulations - permission is required for the removal of most non-residential hedges which are over 30 years old and over 20 metres in length.

More Information:

• High Hedges - if you are concerned about a nuisance hedge.
• Trees on Council owned land - telephone 01883 732967 or e-mail Amenity services.
• Trees on highways land - contact Surrey County Council - 08456 009 009 or write to East Surrey Highways Services, Surrey County Council, Mid-Surrey Area Office A09, Opus 11, Kingston Road, Leatherhead, KT22 7SY
• Surrey Tree Wardens- how you can help look after trees in Surrey.
• Trees - your questions answered