Page contents
- Step-by-step guide to applying for a community Christmas tree
- Festive lighting on Christmas trees
- Planting a Christmas tree on the highway
Step-by-step guide to applying for a community Christmas tree
Would you like a community Christmas tree? If so, please follow the steps below.
1. Decide where you would like the tree and find out who owns the land
You can find the landowner by doing a Land Registry search. You will need to get permission from the landowner if the land is privately owned.
If the land is public highway:
- Talk to neighbours next to where you would like the tree, to seek their agreement.
- Ensure there is enough space for the tree. There must be a minimum of 1.5 metres clear space beside the tree so that people, including those with mobility difficulties, disabilities or pushing pushchairs can get past.
- Make sure that the tree's location does not block sightlines for drivers turning out of side roads.
2. Installation
Trees can be put into free standing planters or stands and placed on the pavement or verge. We do not permit trees to be dug into the highway pavement or verge, because of the danger of damage to underground utility services such as electricity cables.
For safety reasons the tree must be installed by a contractor with relevant health and safety training and who has extensive public liability, product liability and professional indemnity insurance.
We recommend that a full risk assessment is carried out before a tree is installed on the public highway. Appropriate fixings must be used to take into account site conditions, tree weight and size to ensure the tree is stable and secure. We recommend the use of picket fencing around the base of trees that are 15ft or 4.6 metres high and above.
The person who is organising the installation of the tree is responsible for ensuring that it is safe.
3. Communication
Please tell us where you would like to put your Christmas tree in case we have any queries or receive any enquiries from other residents. Email highways@surreycc.gov.uk with the subject 'Christmas Tree'.
4. Removing the tree
The tree should be removed by the second week in January.
Festive lighting on Christmas trees
It is usually best to use solar powered lighting on your Christmas tree for environmental reasons. Solar-powered lights align with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.
Alternatively, with advances in modern technology you could consider using battery powered lights There are some very good battery powered lights available.
We do not install new electrical connections for festive lighting for Christmas trees on the public highway.
Planting a Christmas tree on the highway
The highway verge is usually not a suitable location for planting a Christmas tree, and conifers are not suitable species for planting on the highway.
If you wish to plant a suitable tree on the highway please see the following guidance about planting trees on the highway
This collaborative approach ensures that the community can celebrate the holidays together and safely.
