Trees in Portsmouth

Trees benefit the city by enhancing the city's landscape, absorbing atmospheric pollutants and providing a habitat for birds and other wildlife. They remind us of the changing seasons and provide a contrast of colour, form and texture to the landscape. American research has shown that trees have a positive effect on improving the general well-being and 'life satisfaction' for people who have views of trees.

The city council's Arboricultural section was established in the early 1970’s as a direct response to the impact of Dutch Elm Disease and consists of two full-time officers. The aim is to cultivate, maintain and manage a tree stock which enhances the character, the landscape and the wildlife in such a way that it is unrivalled in any other densely populated urban city.

The Arboricultural section oversees the management and maintenance of the city council’s tree stock, which is in excess of 30,000 individual trees and 43 acres of woodland. All public enquiries are recorded onto a tree database via the City Helpdesk by calling (023) 9283 4150 or by emailing
cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

One of the more common public enquiries relates to the maintenance of trees adjacent to property. At present, all the city council's trees are pruned on a 4-yearly cycle. This regime was introduced in January 1994 and has provided a good basis in which to develop the management of the city’s tree stock within the available budget.

You can use the 'External Links' to the right of the page for more national tree news, information, campaigns and on how to obtain tree grants.