Trees and woodlands

Almost a quarter of the borough is covered by trees. 

This makes Torfaen the most canopied urban county in Wales, according to the Natural Resources urban canopy cover report. 

Trees provide vital habitats for a wide range of plants, animals and insects. 

They also help to mitigate against the impact of climate change by regulating air temperature, providing shade and holding back underground water.  

Research also suggests trees can reduce stress, anxiety and depression and can improve mood.  

Find out about the environmental benefits of trees.

The Torfaen Tree Strategy 2021-2031 outlines how the council will manage and enhance the tree canopy. It covers all trees, including hedgerows, street and parkland trees and fruit trees. 

Right tree right place 

We replace felled trees by identifying areas suitable for new trees. We choose native species appropriate for the area.  

Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Local Nature Partnership regularly plants new native trees, hedgerows and community orchards, thanks to the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature programme.  

Managing and protecting trees 

Councils can apply for Tree Protection Orders to protect trees from being cut down or destroyed without the consent of the local planning authority. 

We will only remove urban trees from public land if they are dead, dying, have a disease that is detrimental to their safety such as Ash Dieback, or are dangerous. 

Tree management decisions need to consider legally protected species such as bats and nesting birds. 

We will not prune or fell trees that are dropping leaves, creating shade or obstructing views in private gardens; overhanging or large trees that are not dangerous or a nuisance, trees near buildings or drains where there is no evidence they are causing damage.   

You can report a tree that is dead, dying, diseased or dangerous below.

Report a tree issue