Fallen and storm-damaged trees in Chelmsford, Essex: who is responsible and who to call

Who is responsible for a fallen tree?

Chelmsford City Council’s starting point is simple: the owner of the land a tree grows on is responsible for it (trees and hedges (opens in a new tab)). That means:

If you don’t know who owns the land, HM Land Registry can tell you for a small charge (search property information (opens in a new tab)).

Trees blocking roads and pavements

Essex Highways, part of Essex County Council, looks after most roads and pavements in Chelmsford. It says that if there’s a risk to public safety you should call 0345 603 7631, and that some urgent issues can now be reported online if you can provide photos. Its “Track it” tool shows whether a problem has already been reported, and it asks people not to report the same issue several times (Essex Highways: Tell us (opens in a new tab)).

Some roads are managed by others: National Highways for the A12, M11 and M25 (0300 123 5000), and CountyRoute for the A130 between the A12 at Chelmsford and the A1245. Private roads are the responsibility of residents or landowners.

Trees on private land next to a road remain the owner’s responsibility. Essex Highways says it may require an owner to deal with a private tree that endangers or obstructs highway users under Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980, and may carry out the work and recover the cost (highway trees (opens in a new tab)).

Trees on or near power lines

UK Power Networks, the electricity network operator for this area, says to treat power lines as live and to stay at least 10 metres away from lines that are low, damaged, on the ground or touching trees, and to call 0800 31 63 105 or 105, 24 hours a day, or 999 if there is significant risk to the public (UKPN: cut trees and bushes (opens in a new tab)).

A tree surgeon can’t work on a tree tangled in live lines. For planned work near overhead lines, UKPN can arrange a visit and, where needed, a temporary shutdown; it aims to contact you within 10 working days of a request.

If a tree falls in your garden or your neighbour’s

1. Keep everyone clear, including of the area the tree could roll or drop into.
2. Don’t cut it yourself. Fallen and hung-up trees hold stored tension that can release suddenly.
3. Take photos of the tree, the root plate or break, and any damage, from a safe distance.
4. Talk to your neighbour if the tree came from, or landed on, their land. Agree who will instruct the tree surgeon.
5. Contact your insurer if property has been damaged, before non-urgent work.
6. Get a quote for making safe and for clearance. Ask for it in writing.

Insurance pointers (general)

We can’t give insurance advice, and every policy is different. In general terms:

• Tell your insurer as soon as you can, and follow their instructions on emergency repairs.
• Keep photos, quotes and invoices. Ask whether they need to approve a tree surgeon’s quote before work.
• Ask what is covered: damage to buildings, fences and cars may be treated differently from the cost of removing the tree itself.
• If a neighbour’s tree caused the damage, let your insurer handle questions of liability.

Protected trees after a storm

Tree Preservation Orders and conservation-area protection still apply after a storm. Chelmsford City Council says you may remove a dead or dangerous branch or tree only where there is an immediate risk of serious harm, not just because a tree is said to be diseased or dying. Except in a genuine emergency you must give written notice first, by emailing planning.trees@chelmsford.gov.uk with the location, a description of the condition and photos. Only the work needed to remove the immediate risk should be done, and if a tree is felled a replacement is normally required (dead or dangerous protected trees (opens in a new tab)). See our TPO guide.

Before the next storm

Deadwood in the crown, fungal brackets at the base, cracks, cavities, a new lean or lifting soil are all reasons to get a tree looked at before winter. Ash trees in decline deserve particular attention (see our ash dieback guide). Preventative deadwooding or a crown reduction is usually easier to plan than emergency work.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

All checked 27 September 2026. We link to the official page rather than repeat details that change often.

• Chelmsford City Council: trees and hedges (landowner responsibility) (opens in a new tab)
• Chelmsford City Council: dead or dangerous protected trees (opens in a new tab)
• Essex Highways: Tell us about road or highway issues (opens in a new tab)
• Essex Highways: highway trees (opens in a new tab)
• Essex Highways: grass and vegetation (opens in a new tab)
• UK Power Networks: cut trees and bushes (opens in a new tab)
• GOV.UK: search property information from HM Land Registry (opens in a new tab)

Need a tree surgeon?

If you’d like a free quote, we can pass your enquiry to an independent local tree surgeon in Chelmsford. Related services:

• Emergency & storm-damaged treesSplit limbs, leaning or fallen trees after high winds. Response depends on local availability.
• Tree removal & fellingStraight felling where there’s room, or section-by-section dismantling in tight Chelmsford gardens.
• Pruning & crown reductionCrown reduction, thinning, lifting and deadwood removal to keep a tree healthy and in proportion.

Related guides

• TPOs & conservation areasHow to check if a tree is protected in Chelmsford, how to apply, timescales and dead or dangerous trees.
• Ash dieback in EssexSigns of ash dieback, owner responsibilities, felling licences and when to get a tree looked at.