Urgent tree work in Guildford

Stay outside the fall area and describe what is at risk.

Do not stand beneath damaged branches or approach a tree that may contact electricity equipment. First protect people from the area, then contact the appropriate emergency or specialist route.

Guildford

Choose the right first call

Call 999 where there is an immediate threat to life. Stay clear of electricity equipment and use 105 for the electricity network. A specialist tree-work enquiry is appropriate once it can be made without entering the risk area.

People trapped or immediate threat to life: 999
Electricity equipment involved: keep clear and use 105
Public highway obstruction: report through the highway or emergency route
Private property without immediate public danger: tree specialist

Describe the incident from safety

Give the Guildford address, when the change happened, whether movement is continuing and what the tree or branch could strike. Do not climb, pull hung branches or use a chainsaw to improve the photograph.

Tree, branch or root-plate movement
Buildings, road, footway, vehicles or cables
Safe access point for a crew
Known protected-tree status

Document urgent work

If protected-tree work is urgently necessary because of an immediate risk of serious harm, government guidance limits the exception to what is needed to remove that risk. Keep photographs, professional advice and a record of notices to Guildford Borough Council.

Before and after photographs
Time and nature of the observed risk
Written work record
Council contact and follow-up assessment

Questions on this topic

Important points to clarify.

Does storm damage cancel a TPO?

No. A narrow exception may apply to work urgently necessary to address an immediate risk of serious harm, but evidence and notification remain important.

Can I make a hanging branch safe myself?

Do not work beneath or pull a hung branch. Tree work at height and with chainsaws requires competent planning, equipment and rescue arrangements.

Primary sources

Check the current official guidance.

Reviewed 10 September 2026. Requirements can change and individual circumstances differ.

Independent enquiry

Turn this guidance into a clear brief.

We review the information for service and location fit and may introduce a relevant independent tree specialist. The inspecting provider is responsible for advice, quotation and any contract.