Tree Works for Council Housing Properties Policy

Closed 30 Sep 2025

Opened 29 Aug 2025

Contact

housing_strategy@sandwell.gov.uk

Feedback updated 12 Nov 2025

We asked

We asked residents, tenants, employees, and councillors for their views on our draft Tree Works for Council Housing Properties Policy. The policy explains how and when tree works will be carried out on council housing properties, including management, maintenance, and safety measures. It also outlines how residents can report concerns, request works, and how the Council prioritises and responds to tree-related issues.

Feedback was gathered through:

  • A policy engagement session with residents, where participants shared views on the proposed approach, the clarity of the document, and any areas needing improvement.
  • Review by the SNAC Policy Working Group and elected members for additional feedback and scrutiny.
  • An online consultation from 28 August to 26 September 2025, which included questions about the policy’s proposals and accessibility.

You said

Overall, respondents supported the Council’s commitment to maintaining safe, well-managed green spaces, but some wanted:

  • Clearer guidance on how tree management and maintenance will be carried out.
  • Practical instructions on reporting issues, requesting works, and what happens next.
  • Timelines for when works will be completed and points of contact for queries.
  • Simpler language or additional support, such as visual aids, diagrams, or simplified guides, to help residents understand the policy.

Some felt the policy was aspirational and would benefit from more examples of how tree works will be implemented in practice.

We did

We have:

  • Clarified the roles and responsibilities of the Council in managing and maintaining trees on housing properties.
  • Added practical guidance on how residents can report issues, request tree works, and what steps will follow.
  • Included information on expected timescales and contact points for queries.
  • Improved the clarity of the language and committed to providing visual aids and simplified guides to make the policy easier to understand.

Amendments have been made to the policy where needed. The finalised Tree Works for Council Housing Policy was presented to Cabinet in October 2025, and a consultation report has been produced.

Results updated 12 Nov 2025

Files:

Overview

Sandwell Council is committed to the safe and effective management of trees on council housing properties. This policy sets out our approach to maintaining trees in a way that protects tenants, their homes, and the wider environment.

We want to provide a clear, fair, and resident-focused service by defining the responsibilities of both the council and tenants in managing trees. Our aim is to ensure safety, reduce risks, and maintain the environmental and visual quality of our housing estates.

The council will act on reports of dangerous, dead, dying, or diseased trees, while encouraging tenants to take responsibility for managing healthy trees safely and responsibly. We will also make reasonable adjustments to support residents who may face barriers to maintaining trees on their property.

We are dedicated to treating all residents with fairness, respect, and dignity, and will engage with tenants and leaseholders to listen to their experiences and improve how we manage tree-related issues.

Our purpose is to protect residents, properties, and communities while enhancing the local environment and biodiversity.

This policy outlines the principles and standards for our responsive tree works service, detailing how we will:

  • Prioritise urgent cases such as fallen trees, dangerous branches, or diseased trees that pose a safety risk;
  • Clearly set out the responsibilities of the council and tenants in relation to tree maintenance;
  • Deliver a consistent, transparent service guided by expert inspection and assessment;
  • Promote responsible planting and management of trees to avoid nuisance or damage;
  • Provide accessible services and make reasonable adjustments where residents need additional support;
  • Engage with tenants during policy development and review to ensure their views shape our approach;
  • Uphold legal and regulatory requirements, including relevant health, safety, and environmental laws.

All feedback from residents will remain anonymous and will be used to refine and strengthen the policy before it is finalised.

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Why your views matter

It is really important that we have the perspective of as many people as possible who live and work in Sandwell every day when developing the policy. We want to make sure that everyone has had an opportunity to be part of shaping this with us and look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible.

If you have any questions about the document or the consultation as a whole, please email housing_strategy@sandwell.gov.uk.

In line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018, we will ensure all the information you provide is stored securely, following the seven key principles of GDPR. For further information, please visit our privacy notice page at http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/privacynotices

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Open Consulation

Interests

  • Research & Intelligence