Council owned trees

Various authorities and other organisations own trees within the borough, and each manages its own tree stock.

Street trees

Most roadside trees that are not within private ownership are managed by the Kent County Council Highway Authority.

If you have concerns about a street tree, would like to request works to one, or would like to plant a tree near a public road, please contact Kent County Council (KCC) via the KCC website.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council land

We carry out regular inspections of our trees to identify issues at the earliest possible time, so preventative action may be taken where appropriate. Reactive management is sometimes necessary where unforeseen damage occurs, or a tree’s condition deteriorates.

The council will consider works to trees:

• where the trees are touching buildings
• where trees have caused proven damage to property
• where the trees are at imminent risk of causing serious damage or injury
• where the tree’s health or structural condition may benefit from the works

The council does not prune or remove trees due to:

• loss of light or view
• interference with aerial signals (contact your supplier for advice)
• encroaching branches (you have a right to prune overhanging branches, subject to appropriate permissions if the tree is protected)
• leaves or other debris, pollen, honey dew or bird droppings

To discuss trees in parks and recreation grounds within the town, including memorial tree planting, please contact our Parks team using parks@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or telephone 01892 554 031.

For any other trees owned by the council, please contact our Estates team using info@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or telephone 01892 526 121.

Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall commons

Management of these commons, including their trees, is overseen by the Tunbridge Wells Commons Conservators (TWCC). Information about management of the commons and contact details for the TWCC can be found on the TWCC website.

Housing association land

Trees growing on land owned by a housing association are maintained by the housing association which owns the land.

The majority of housing association properties in Tunbridge Wells are owned by Town and Country Housing Group.