Trees

The City of Westminster lies at the heart of the nation's capital and its trees, whether in parks, open spaces, in private gardens or on the streets, make a significant contribution to London's reputation as one of the worlds greenest cities.

Trees in parks, streets and cemeteries

There are over 7500 street trees in Westminster.  The City Council maintains these trees by inspecting and pruning existing trees on a regular cycle, and removing trees where necessary.  An annual street tree planting programe also takes place, in order to ensure the continued benefits of trees for future generations.

Trees in parks and Council-owned cemetries at East Finchley, Hanwell and Mill Hill are also maintained by the Tree Section. 

For queries about trees in streets and parks you can contact the Tree Section, or email us on streetandparktrees@westminster.gov.uk

For queries about trees in our cemeteries, please contact the Parks Department

Privately Owned trees

Many trees on privately owned land are protected either by Tree Preservation Orders or because the property is situated in a Conservation Area.  It is a criminal offence to carry out tree surgery or to remove trees protected in these ways without prior consent or notifying the council . Some trees on development sites are also protected by specific conditions on planning permissions to ensure their protection during development.

• Contact the Tree Section to check if your trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
• Check online if your property and trees are within a Conservation Area
• Search Planning Applications online to check if Trees on a development site are protected by planning conditions, and view details of existing decisions.

Find out More information

Trees and Other Planting on Development Sites

Tree contractors

You are not obliged to use the tree contractors on the Council’s list, but any approved tree works should be carried out by an adequately qualified and insured tree surgeon. You are strongly advised to avoid the use of ‘cowboy’ tree surgeons, such as those who knock on your door and offer to carry out tree surgery for you.  If you allow unauthorised tree pruning or felling to take place, both you and your contractor could be prosecuted.  If in doubt please contact the City Council’s Tree Section.

List of tree contractors

Tree Work - Choosing your arborist (Arboricultural Association)

Contact us

Westminster City Hall,  Tree Section,  64 Victoria Street,  London,  SW1E 6QP

Tel: 020 7641 2619 / 2922

Tel (020) 7641 6000 Emergency Works (outside office Hours)

Email

privatelyownedtrees@westminster.gov.uk (Privately owned trees)

streetandparktrees@westminster.gov.uk (Street & parks trees)