Trees can cause damage if they're too close to our sewers, water pipes and other assets. Sometimes, this results in the removal of the tree. That's something we want to avoid as much as possible.
Tree and plant distance requirements
When planting trees, shrubs and bushes on site, you need to think about how far the mature root systems and branch canopies will grow.
There are set safe distances for root systems and tree canopies. The distances are different for each species.
It's important to follow these distance requirements. They exist to protect our water and waste pipes.
Tree and plant species |
Minimum distance from assets |
| Poplar and Willow | 12 metres |
| Large for forest trees such as Oak, Ash, Beech, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir | 10 metres |
| Medium-sized trees such as Elm, Horse Chestnut, Lime, Oak, Sycamore, Apple, Pear and most Conifers | 6 metres |
| Large shrubs such as Blackthorn, Broom, Cotoneaster, Elder, Hazel, Laurel, Privet, Quickthorn, Snowberry, and most ornamental flowering shrubs used for screening | 2 metres |
| Soft fruit bushes such as blackcurrant, raspberries and gooseberries | Less than 1 metre, providing a path to the asset is kept clear |
These measurements are only a guide. If you are unsure, speak to a specialist and discuss your plans with our Asset Protection team.
You should carry out detection surveys and dig trial holes to confirm the location of any assets before you plant any trees, bushes or shrubs.
Contact the Asset Protection Team
Our team can help commercial developers to understand and plan what needs to be done when working near our pipes and other infrastructure.
You can contact us by email and phone, and we're available:
Please leave a voicemail if you're unable to get through to the team or call outside office hours. We'll do our best to get back to you the next working day.