Tree work in Writtle
Writtle is a historic village just west of Chelmsford, in the CM1 postcode area, known for its village green with a duck pond and its Norman church. At the 2021 census the parish had a population of 5,328. It is home to Writtle University College, and Hylands Park (the Hylands Estate (opens in a new tab)) is close by.
Gardens around the green and the older streets often have mature trees and long boundary hedges, while newer roads have smaller plots. Much of the tree work here is careful pruning and height reduction rather than felling, partly because of the conservation area, and partly because mature trees are a big part of the village’s character.
The Writtle conservation area
Writtle is on Chelmsford City Council’s list of parish conservation areas (conservation areas in Chelmsford (opens in a new tab)). The council’s map records it as designated on 1 April 1969 and amended on 19 June 1969 and 30 April 1991 (Writtle conservation area map, PDF (opens in a new tab)) The map shows it covering the green and the historic streets around it.
Conservation-area trees more than 7.5cm in diameter at 1.5 metres above the ground are protected as if they had a TPO, so you must give Chelmsford City Council six weeks’ notice before most work on them (check if a tree is protected (opens in a new tab)).
- Search the TPO register by address on Chelmsford City Council’s TPO register (opens in a new tab). Check provisional orders as well as confirmed ones.
- Is it in the Writtle conservation area? Use the council’s conservation areas map (opens in a new tab) or its map PDF linked above. Conservation-area trees more than 7.5cm in diameter at 1.5 metres above the ground are protected as if they had a TPO, so you must give Chelmsford City Council six weeks’ notice before most work on them (check if a tree is protected (opens in a new tab)).
- Check for nesting birds and bats before work, whatever the time of year. See our nesting birds guide.
- Apply or give notice through the council if needed. The Planning Portal says there is no fee for a works-to-trees application. Our TPO and conservation area guide walks through it.
Tree services in Writtle
Independent local tree surgeons covering Writtle can quote for:
- Tree removal & fellingStraight felling where there’s room, or section-by-section dismantling in tight Chelmsford gardens.
- Pruning & crown reductionCrown reduction, thinning, lifting and deadwood removal to keep a tree healthy and in proportion.
- Stump grindingGrind an old stump out below ground level so you can re-turf, plant or build over the spot.
- Hedge trimming & cuttingRegular trims, height reductions and overgrown hedges and conifer screens brought back under control.
- Emergency & storm-damaged treesSplit limbs, leaning or fallen trees after high winds. Response depends on local availability.
Not sure what you need? Describe the problem in the form (photos help) and let the tree surgeon suggest options. Our guide to what affects tree surgery costs explains how quotes are worked out, and the before you hire checklist covers insurance, qualifications and registered waste carriers.
Useful local contacts
- Writtle Parish Council is the local council for the village (writtle-pc.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)).
- Hylands Park and other public land: the landowner is responsible for its trees. For city council parks, use Chelmsford City Council’s online contact forms.
- Trees and hedges over roads and pavements: report to Essex Highways (opens in a new tab). It asks owners to keep 2.4m clear over pavements and 5.1m over roads.
- Neighbour’s trees or a high hedge? See our neighbour’s trees guide.
Would you like a free quote?
Use the form for the quickest response. Leave your mobile or email and we’ll pass your enquiry to an independent local tree surgeon, who will contact you with a free quote. Photos help them quote accurately.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to prune a tree near Writtle green?
Very likely, if it’s in the conservation area and more than 7.5cm in diameter at 1.5 metres above ground: you must give Chelmsford City Council six weeks’ notice before most work. If it has a TPO, you need consent. Check the conservation areas map (opens in a new tab) and TPO register (opens in a new tab), and read our TPO guide.
Do you cover the rural parts of Writtle parish?
Yes, enquiries are welcome from the village and the surrounding CM1 area, including roads out towards Highwood, Roxwell and Edney Common. Send your full postcode. Larger rural plots sometimes allow straight felling rather than sectional dismantling.
Can the council advise before I apply?
Chelmsford City Council offers paid protected tree advice, either in writing (it aims to respond within 20 working days) or as a meeting with a natural environment officer. The fee depends on whether the tree is in a conservation area or has a TPO, and how many trees are involved (protected tree advice (opens in a new tab)). A notice or application itself has no fee.
