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Street tree requiring overdue maintenance – repeated template responses without proper inspection

Reported via desktop in the Tree Requires Pruning category anonymously at 13:10, Wednesday 27 May 2026

Sent to Bromley Council less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 9514295.

Photo of this report zoom

I am resubmitting this issue because the tree beside my property has still not been properly inspected or maintained, despite multiple reports over several years (most recently Ref: 9368861, submitted on 28 April 2026.

Each time I report this, I receive the same standard response stating that “no remedial works are required,” but none of the specific concerns have been addressed, and it is unclear whether a full inspection has taken place.

The tree is now:

Approximately 3 feet from the side of the house, is taller than the property and has not been pruned for several years, despite previously being maintained roughly every two years

I am attaching current photos showing the proximity to the building and the extent of overgrowth.

Given the repeated identical responses and lack of action, I am requesting that this case be properly reviewed under the council’s duty of care and good arboricultural practice. The tree’s proximity to the property and the length of time since its last maintenance warrant a proper assessment.

Thank you for your time.

Updates

  • Thank you for your report, this is now being investigated. Information on our services and the timeframes we aim to respond in can be found: http://www.bromley.gov.uk/ fixservices

    State changed to: In progress

    Posted by Bromley Council at 13:10, Wednesday 27 May 2026

  • Thank you for your report, These trees are inspected every three years on a surveying program and any necessary works undertaken. Council will not prune or remove trees in relation to the following: • Branches overhanging property boundaries or buildings. • Lack of light • Where a tree is thought be too tall or large or old • Interference with solar panels or satellite, TV, or other media reception Problems associated with pollen • Excreta caused by insects or birds • Obstruction of the view from house windows, gardens, balconies etc • Branches and/or limbs in physical contact with telephone wires • Leaf fall • Fruit fall • Shedding of small twigs. Nor will we remove leaf and branch debris at the base of a tree which serves to protect roots and protects the tree from lawn mowers, strimmers and dogs

    Posted by Bromley Council at 12:08, Friday 29 May 2026

  • We have investigated the report issue and have made contact with the report originator and/or a subsequent commenter to outline further details. This report is now closed on FixMyStreet.

    State changed to: Closed

    Posted by Bromley Council at 12:11, Friday 29 May 2026

  • Thank you for the update.

    I need to request that this case is escalated and reconsidered. I have been reporting concerns about this tree since August 2024 (refs 6408299, 9368861 and 9514295). Each time, the response has been the same template citing exclusions from the Tree Management Strategy, without addressing the specific issue raised.

    To clarify: the tree is approximately three feet from my property and is now significantly taller than the house. It has not received routine maintenance for several years, and its height‑to‑distance ratio is far beyond what is appropriate for a mature street tree planted in such a narrow verge. My reports have not been about light, overhang, amenity or any of the exclusions repeatedly listed.

    Under National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) guidance — which Bromley is expected to follow — duty holders must ensure that trees close to buildings receive proportionate, proactive inspection and management. The NTSG highlights that where a tree is unusually close to a structure, or where its size exceeds the constraints of its planting location, reasonable preventative action should be taken.

    Given the tree’s proximity, size and lack of recent maintenance, this clearly falls within NTSG’s “reasonable and practicable” expectations. These factors sit outside the exclusions in the standard template response and should be assessed on their own merits.

    I am therefore requesting a fresh inspection by a qualified tree officer, with consideration of proportionate canopy reduction in line with good arboricultural practice and the council’s duty of care.

    Thank you.

    State changed to: Open

    Posted anonymously at 17:03, Friday 5 June 2026

  • We are continuing to investigate and working to resolve this report

    State changed to: In progress

    Posted by Bromley Council at 08:44, Wednesday 24 June 2026

  • Thank you for your comments. As per the LBB Tree Management Strategy, service contractors only prune back trees that are less than 2m from buildings – and only about 2m of growth is removed. LBB will not raise works to prune so that more light to enter a building or improve the visibility from windows. This includes trees that are taller than buildings. LBB will take extra Arboricultural care and consideration with any works to trees in a Conservation Area or with a Tree Protection Order (TPO) as required by statutory planning law.

    Please refer to the Tree Management Strategy for further information on the care of Council owned trees: Tree management strategy - Foreword - Tree management strategy - 2023 to 2027

    A site visit is organised to judge clearance from building which you will be updated of the outcome.

    Posted by Bromley Council at 08:48, Wednesday 24 June 2026

  • Our contractor has been notified to take the appropriate action.

    Posted by Bromley Council at 10:21, Wednesday 24 June 2026

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