Trees in Christchurch

The council recognises the important role that trees play in the creation and maintenance of desirable living places. 

Our Tree Strategy (pdf, 855kb) (opens in a new window)  provides a framework to protect and manage trees in the borough, where they fall within the council's control. The strategy outlines the council's policies and aims to promote the important contribution of public and privately owned trees whilst ensuring sustainable management for the benefit of the community.

The Tree Work Policy (pdf, 55kb) (opens in a new window)  focuses specifically on open space trees and outlines the council's responsibility to maintain trees in a healthy and safe condition and to ensure no legal nuisance is caused. The Policy also contains a tree work request form that can be filled out and returned to us.

Types of Tree

Trees within the borough are divided into four categories with different levels of risk and maintenance associated with them:

• Highway Trees: Located adjacent to public roads either within pavements or adjacent verges/shrub borders and are under the control of Dorset County Council

• Open Space Trees: Found within parks, recreation grounds, open spaces and along the borough's coastline and are the responsibility of the council

• Countryside Site Trees: These are trees found within the borough's woodlands, copses and countryside sites including Local Nature Reserves. They are also the responsibility of the council

• Private Trees: These grow on privately owned land and include trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or within Conservation Areas

• Open Spaces and Countryside Manager
  Name: Clive Sinden
  Email: csinden@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 495072
  Full details for Clive Sinden