A picturesque Sussex village with a conservation area, period properties, and established gardens. We provide expert tree surgery and garden services throughout Henfield and the surrounding parish.
Henfield is a large village of around 5,300 people set in the Low Weald between the South Downs and the River Adur. The village has a long High Street lined with 17th and 18th century buildings, many of them listed, and is surrounded by open farmland and ancient hedgerows. Henfield’s conservation area covers the historic core, and the village has a distinctly rural character that sets it apart from the more suburban towns of Mid Sussex.
The gardens in Henfield tend to be generous by Sussex standards, and many contain mature trees — oaks, horse chestnuts, and ornamental specimens — that have been growing for decades. The heavy Wealden clay soil influences what thrives here: oaks and hornbeams do particularly well, while shallow-rooted species can struggle in waterlogged winter conditions. The low-lying position near the river also means some properties are more exposed to winter flooding, which can affect tree health over time.
Henfield falls under Horsham District Council rather than Mid Sussex, which means a different planning authority handles TPOs and conservation area tree work. The process is the same — TPO applications and six-week conservation area notices — but the contacts and forms are different. We’re familiar with Horsham DC’s requirements and can handle applications on your behalf.
Our services
How We Help Henfield Homeowners
The most common work we carry out in Henfield is crown reductions on mature trees in larger gardens, hedge management on the traditional boundary hedgerows, and tree removal where old specimens have become unsafe. Henfield’s rural setting also means we occasionally deal with fallen trees blocking lanes and tracks after winter storms. The village’s conservation area status makes it important to check planning requirements before starting work.
Horsham District Council manages Tree Preservation Orders across most of the district, including the villages of Henfield and Storrington. For land inside the South Downs National Park (including Steyning), tree works applications have been submitted directly to the South Downs National Park Authority since October 2024. If a tree has a TPO, you must apply for consent before carrying out any work. Applications are free and submitted through the national Planning Portal. The council has up to 8 weeks to decide. For genuinely dead trees, a 5-day notice with photographs must be submitted, and urgent work on an immediately dangerous tree must be notified as soon as practicable. You can check whether a tree is protected using the council’s ArcGIS-based interactive TPO map.
Horsham district has approximately 39 designated conservation areas, including Henfield and Storrington, while those inside the National Park, such as Steyning and Bramber, fall under the South Downs National Park Authority. Henfield Conservation Area covers the historic High Street and surrounding lanes, with an adopted Character Appraisal that guides planning decisions. If your property is within a conservation area, you must give 6 weeks’ written notice before carrying out work on any tree with a trunk diameter over 75 mm at 1.5 m above ground.
An oak reduction in Henfield. The tree had been very heavily reduced in the past, probably because of rot, and now needs regular maintenance to keep it at a manageable size.
“Antony did a fantastic job removing our tree. We had a very large Ash tree that was affected by bracket fungus and was overhanging 2 of our neighbours. Antony and Cameron removed the tree quickly and efficiently. Our neighbours were very impressed how smoothly everything went and how tidy it was after. Antony was a real pleasure to deal with when quoting, on the day, and with follow up. I would definitely recommend him and his team. Thanks again!”
James M.Google review
“Ant made an amazing job of thinning out our Eucalyptus tree, and also took on a little topiary of a bay tree whilst with us. Highly recommended, the easiest and most pleasant person to deal with.”
James N.Google review
“Antony came the same day I rang him to quote for the work. Then promptly came the next week to complete the work. Would highly recommended Antony”
Yes. Henfield has a designated conservation area covering the historic High Street and surrounding lanes. The conservation area has an adopted Character Appraisal that guides planning decisions. If your property is within this zone, you must give Horsham District Council six weeks’ notice before carrying out work on any tree with a trunk diameter over 75 mm. We can check your property’s status and handle the paperwork.
Which council covers Henfield?
Henfield is in Horsham District, so tree-related planning matters are handled by Horsham District Council, not Mid Sussex DC. Their tree team can be reached on 01403 215523 or at trees@horsham.gov.uk. They also have an interactive TPO map on their website. We deal with Horsham DC regularly and can submit applications on your behalf.
How far is Henfield from your base?
Henfield is about 7 miles from our Hassocks base — around a 15-minute drive. We work in Henfield regularly and can schedule visits at short notice.
Do you work on rural properties outside Henfield village?
Yes. We cover the wider Henfield parish including Small Dole, Woodmancote, and the surrounding rural properties. Larger rural plots often have more substantial tree work, and we have the equipment and experience to handle bigger jobs including large tree felling and stump grinding.
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