Portsmouth Tree Maintenance

Colas maintains and inspects 8,200 highway trees across Portsmouth on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, helping to keep the city’s streets safe, attractive, and environmentally sustainable.

Our Services

Our qualified tree surgeons provide:

• Regular safety inspections and routine surveys

• Tree pruning to maintain health and safety

• Tree removal, replacement, and planting where necessary

Emergency response teams are available 24/7 to deal with urgent tree related issues on the highway.

Inspection and Maintenance

Every highway tree receives a visual inspection every four years, assessing condition, health, and future growth. Inspections consider location, species, age, and surrounding environment, allowing us to plan any necessary maintenance and ensure trees continue to benefit the local streetscape.

Pruning, Removal and Replacement

Trees are pruned only when required, such as to remove safety risks or obstructions.

Trees are removed only as a last resort, for example if they are unsafe, severely damaged, or causing irreparable structural issues. All removed trees are replaced during the planting season (November–March) with suitable new trees as close to the original location as possible.

Trees and Your Property

• Overhanging branches may be cut back to your boundary (unless protected by a Tree Preservation Order or in a conservation area).

• Trees are not pruned solely due to light loss, TV reception issues, sap, pollen, or bird droppings.

• If a tree may be affecting your property or pipes, homeowners should contact their insurance provider in the first instance.

Environmental Benefits

Highway trees provide significant benefits, including:

• Improved air quality and oxygen production

• Cooling urban areas and reducing noise

• Supporting wildlife habitats

• Enhancing the appearance and character of Portsmouth

Brown Tail Moths

Brown tail moth caterpillars, found locally, can pose health risks. Infested highway trees may be treated in spring, while winter pruning of nests is the most effective control method.

Tree general leaflet