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