Overhanging vegetation
Overhanging vegetation can be hedges, trees, shrubs, bushes, or any other type of plant that grows out from within a property boundary over a pavement or road.
You must make sure that vegetation from your property does not:
- obstruct the road or pavement
- pose a health and safety risk
- prevents pushchairs or wheelchairs from getting past
- obstruct traffic lights, road signs, or streetlights
- block drivers’ sightlines
Overhanging vegetation can be a safety hazard and Oldham Council can take enforcement action, to ensure that it is cut back.
How far do I have to cut back overhanging vegetation?
Lower branches should be at least 2.5m (8ft) above the pavement or 5.5m above the road.
Any shrubs or bushes should be cut back to within the property boundary.
There should be a clearance of at least 2m (6ft) around any streetlights or road signs.
The visual appearance of cutting back the vegetation is not an excuse.
Report overhanging vegetation on the highway
We will inspect any reports of overhanging vegetation on the highway and the Council will consider taking enforcement action, depending on the level of risk
Please use our highway obstruction form to report any vegetation overhanging the highway.