Glasgow Tree Pruning Bylaws & Memorial Trees

Parks and Public Spaces Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland manages pruning, planting and memorial trees across parks and public spaces through Glasgow City Council policies and operational teams. This guide explains who enforces tree work in the city, how memorial tree requests are handled, common compliance issues, and practical steps to apply or report problems. It summarises enforcement routes, what paperwork to expect, and action steps for families and contractors working in municipal parks and on council-managed land. Where specific statutory fines or fees are not published on the council pages, the text states that they are not specified on the cited page and indicates the current status as of February 2026.

Scope and legal framework

Tree management in Glasgow is administered by Glasgow City Council operational services, primarily Land and Environmental Services (LES) for parks, streets and council land. Policies cover pruning, removal, planting, memorial schemes and Tree Preservation Orders where applicable. For items not explicitly set out on council pages, this guide notes "not specified on the cited page" and refers readers to the council for final determinations.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The council page on trees is the primary municipal reference for operational policy and reporting; specific monetary fines and fee schedules are not published on that page and therefore are "not specified on the cited page" (current as of February 2026). Enforcement and regulatory actions are carried out by the council department responsible for the land where the tree sits, typically LES for parks and streets.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: the council may use warnings, notices and further action for repeat or continuing offences; exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, works notices, prosecution in the local sheriff court, and seizure or removal of unauthorised materials or structures.
  • Enforcer: Glasgow City Council Land and Environmental Services (LES) or the parks operational team responsible for the land.
  • Inspection and complaints: the council inspects reported hazards and follows its internal risk-assessment protocols; report pathways are provided by the council.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are through the council review process or by appeal to a sheriff court where prosecution or formal orders are issued; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Report dangerous or fallen trees immediately to the council safety contacts.

Applications & Forms

Memorial tree requests and related permissions are handled via council parks and memorials procedures; if a specific application form or a fee is required it is not specified on the cited page. Contact the parks or memorials team for current application forms, naming options and planting schedules.

Families should contact the council early to confirm availability and any paperwork.

Practical compliance: when and how pruning is authorised

  • Routine pruning schedules are set by the council to manage public safety and tree health; contractors must be authorised to work on council land.
  • Works affecting roots, veteran trees or trees under a Tree Preservation Order require prior approval; check with LES before starting.
  • Private property owners planning work near the boundary should notify the council if operations may affect council trees or public safety.
Do not undertake major works near public trees without council permission.

Memorial Tree Programme — what to expect

The memorial tree programme offers a way to plant or dedicate trees in parks and designated council green spaces. Availability, species choices, and placement are managed to balance commemoration with ecology and site needs. Fees, plaque rules and maintenance periods are set by the council; where these specifics are not published on the council page they are listed as not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

Can I prune a council tree adjacent to my property?
No; you must not prune or remove council-owned trees without written permission from Glasgow City Council.
How do I apply for a memorial tree?
Contact Glasgow City Council parks or memorials team to request details and application steps; the council will advise on availability and any form or fee.
Who inspects hazardous trees?
Glasgow City Council operational teams inspect reported hazards and schedule remedial works according to risk assessment.
Keep records of all communications and photographs when reporting tree problems.

How-To

  1. Contact Glasgow City Council parks or LES to confirm whether the tree is council-owned and eligible for a memorial planting.
  2. Request the memorial tree application or guidance from the council and complete any required form or consent.
  3. Agree species, location and plaque details with the council; the council schedules planting according to seasonal and site factors.
  4. Follow the council's maintenance guidance and pay any agreed fees as instructed by parks administration.
Apply early in the year for planting in the next planting season.

Key Takeaways

  • Council permission is required for works on council trees.
  • Memorial tree requests go through the parks team and may require application details.
  • Report hazards promptly to the council for inspection and action.

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