Customer services

Wyre Forest District Council

01562 732528

Trees & Development; Trees in conservation areas; Tree preservation orders

Wyre Forest District Council

Planning Paul Allen

01562 732928

Trees Established on Council land/property

Wyre Forest District Council grounds & Aboricultural Services Officer

01562 732986

Trees in Public Parks & open spaces

Wyre Forest District Council grounds & Aboricultural Services Officer

01562 732986

Trees & Insect/Animal

Pests/Pest control

Wyre Forest District Council grounds & Aboricultural Services Officer

01562 732986

Trees & Public Highways or Footpaths

Worcestershire County Council

www.worcestershire.gov.uk

Tree Response times to public enquiries

Policy : Response Times to Public Enquiries

Emergency tree-related issue

The council will attend site the same day to make the situation safe. An emergency is defined as a tree that is in immediate danger of collapse or a tree that is causing an obstruction requiring attention.

Non-emergency tree-related safety issue.

A site inspection will be undertaken within 10 working days of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such a site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

Timescale for the completion of agreed works

All tree works issued on a standard priority will normally be done within 6-12 months.

Clarification of council policy about trees/enquiries The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquiry requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate.

As stated

Tree touching a building

Council tree (stem or branches touching private property)

Policy : Tree touching a building

If a tree in council ownership/managed by the council is touching your property (dwelling house, boundary wall, garage etc) we will take action to remove the nuisance.

Customer Advice :

1. in many cases the solution will be for the council to prune the tree, but in some circumstances it may be more appropriate to fell the tree. If pruning is appropriate we will endeavour to undertake works to stop the problem reoccurring within three-years

2. You have a common law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with trees encroaching onto your property. The following advice is given if you wish to exercise your common law right with respect to encroaching trees :

a) you can only consider removing those parts of the tree from the point where they cross the boundary of your property. You have no legal right to cut or remove any part of a tree that does not overhang your property.

b) You are strongly advised to consult a professional tree surgeon for guidance on how best to prune back encroaching trees, unless the works are trivial meaning you could do the works with hand secateurs or similar;

c) You are strongly advised to tell the owner of the trees what you plan to do. You can find out if the trees are owned by the council by contacting Customer services;

d) Before you consider doing any works to the trees you should find out if they are protected by a tree preservation order or they are within a conservation area. If trees are protected then you will need to gain consent by making an application/give notice to the council. For guidance on how to check if the trees are protected and how to make an application please refer to the council website.

e) Legally you do not own those parts of the tree that encroach over your property and you should make arrangements to return these to the owner. You are advised to discuss this with your neighbour to agree a mutually acceptable solution. If the encroachment is due to a council owned tree then please make arrangements with the council for the removal of any material that you are not able to dispose of yourself.

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks or receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate. See page 2

Tree overhanging property

Council tree encroaching onto private property(due to the growth of the stem, branches or roots)

Policy : Tree overhanging property

We will not prune or fell a tree in council ownership/managed by the council to alleviate the nuisance of overhanging branches.

Customer advice :

1. The nuisance caused by overhanging branches may be considered as part of our general tree-work programme, however this programme is prioritised and subject to availability of funding.

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and drains

Council tree allegedly causing damage to a drain on private land

Policy : Tree and drains

We will not prune, fell or cut the roots of a council owned/managed tree to prevent roots entering a drain that is already broken or damaged.

Customer Advice :

1. Tree roots typically invade drains that are already broken or damaged. Trees themselves very rarely break or damage the drain in the first place. Tree roots found in a drain are usually symptomatic of an underlying problem requiring repair of the broken pipe. If you are concerned about the condition of your drains then you are advised to contact your water and sewerage company. Householders are usually responsible for the maintenance of the drains within your property.

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry.

Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and light

Council tree restricting light in private property

Policy : Tree and light

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to improve natural light in a property Customer Advice :

1. If natural light is being blocked by the growth of a hedge then action may be taken to reduce the problem under the High Hedges Act, part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour Act, 2003 . For further information refer to the council's web page on high hedges.

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and view

Council tree restricting view from a private property

Policy : Tree and view(s)

We will not prune or fell a council owned tree to improve the view from a private property.

Customer Advice :

If you wish to refer to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Policy : Tree overhanging property

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and leaves

A council tree shedding leaves over private property or problem of leaves on

public footpath/other public space

Policy : Tree and leaves

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to remove or reduce leaf fall or remove fallen leaves from private property.

Customer Advice :

1. The loss of leaves from trees in the autumn is part of the natural cycle and cannot be avoided by pruning

2. In parks and open spaces, areas of hard standing are regularly cleared of fallen leaves, but leaves on grass/shrub beds are generally left until the majority of leaves have fallen before they are removed (unless leaving them would damage the grass in which case the accumulated leaves would be removed sooner)

3. Leaves are generally sent for composting

4. If you would like to report a park or open space that needs to be cleaned please contact Customer services

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree sap

A council tree shedding sap/sticky residue over private property

Or a problem of sap on public footpath/other public space

Policy : Tree and sap

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to remove or reduce honeydew or sticky residue from trees

Customer Advice :

1. Honeydew is caused by greenfly (aphids) feeding on the sap from the leaves and excreting their sugary, sticky waste. Often more likely to be colonised by a mould which causes it to go black. Unfortunately there is little that can be done to remove the aphid which causes the problem and pruning the tree may only offer temporary relief and any re-growth is often more likely to be colonised by greenfly thereby potentially increasing the problem. Some trees, such as limes, are more prone to attack by greenfly and in some years greenfly are more common especially following a mild winter. Honeydew is a natural and seasonal problem. Where new trees are planted we try to choose trees that are less likely to have this problem. Where honeydew affects cars, warm soapy water will remove the substance, particularly if you wash the car as soon as possible.

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and blossom

A council tree shedding blossom over private property

Or a problem of blossom on a public open space

Policy : Tree and blossom

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to remove or reduce blossom from trees or remove fallen blossom from private land Customer Advice :

1. Tree blossom usually heralds the start of Spring. Blossom is a natural occurrence, which cannot be avoided by pruning.

2. Paths through parks and open spaces will be swept as part of normal cleaning cycles.

3. If you would like to report a parks and open space that needs to be cleaned please contact Customer services

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection.

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and bird droppings

Council tree harbouring birds leading to nuisance from bird droppings

Policy : Tree and bird droppings

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to remove or reduce bird droppings from trees, or to remove bird droppings from private land.

Customer Advice :

1. Bird droppings may be a nuisance but the problem is not considered a sufficient reason to prune or remove a tree.

Nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and other related wildlife law). Warm soapy water will usually be sufficient to remove the bird droppings

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site

Tree and fruit/berries/nuts

A council tree shedding fruit/berries/nuts on private land

Or a problem of fruit/berries/nuts on private land

Policy : Tree and fruit/berries/nuts

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to remove or reduce the nuisance of fruit/berries or nuts, or remove such fallen fruit from private land. However, where fallen fruit is leading to a significant anti-social behaviour problems we will consider measures to reduce the problem including whether a phased removal and replacement with alternative species is reasonable.

Customer Advice :

1. Fruit trees such as apple, cherry and pear are welcomed in many locations with the added benefit of providing free food. But, there are some locations where fruit trees are less desirable, for example where soft fruit would make a pathway slippery or where anti-social behaviour could encourage fruit being thrown at houses or cars. When considering what tree to plant we do take account of the likelihood of such problems. Equally, where fruit trees are established but there is a significant anti-social behaviour problem we may consider phased removal and replacement.

2. If you would like to report a public park or open space that needs to be cleaned or if fallen blossom is causing a problem in a public park or other council land contact Customer services

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and poisonous berries

A council tree known to contain poisonous berries or foliage on public land

Or a council tree known to contain poisonous berries or foliage overhanging private land

Policy : Tree and poisonous berries

We have no general policy to remove trees bearing poisonous fruit/foliage (such as yew trees),however where it is claimed or known that unsupervised young children are likely to be exposed to poisonous berries or foliage, such cases will be investigated and appropriate action considered.

Customer Advice :

1. If you have concerns where it is claimed or known that unsupervised young children are likely to be exposed to poisonous berries or foliage contact Customer services

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and wild animal - insect pest

Council tree harbouring bees or wasps or other nuisance animals

Policy : Tree and wild animal - insect pest

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to remove or reduce incidence of bees, wasps or wild animal.

Customer Advice :

1. Bees are protected species and advice should be taken before considering their removal

2. You may be able to dispose of individual wasps using an aerosol insect-repellent spray, but this will not control or eliminate the nest itself. Ideally the whole nest should be destroyed. This can be achieved with great caution but it is far safer to use pest control experts.

3. Under certain situations the council will try to resolve the problem by using a pest control service, this would only be seen as a last resort.

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

see pest control pg 2

Tree and TV/satellite reception

Council tree interfering with TV/satellite reception

Policy : Tree and TV/satellite reception

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree to prevent interference with TV/satellite installation/reception

Customer Advice :

1. It maybe that your satellite or TV provider will be able to suggest an alternative solution to the problem, for example relocating the aerial/dish or means to boost the signal

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and telephone wire

Council tree interfering with telephone wires

Policy : Tree and telephone wire

We will not fell a council owned/managed tree to remove or reduce interference with telephone wires. There may be instances where the council will undertake works to prune trees and reduce interference where pruning will be an effective measure.

Customer Advice :

1. Your telephone service provider may be able to suggest an alternative solution to the problem.

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree considered too big/too tall

Council tree considered to be excessive in size

Policy : Tree considered too big/too tall

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree because it is considered to be 'too big' or 'too tall'.

Customer Advice :

1. A tree is not dangerous just because it may be considered too big for its surroundings. Other problems would need to be shown such, as those described for "trees-dangerous" for the council to consider it to be dangerous

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers

can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site

Tree and personal medical complaint

Council owned tree on public land

Or council owned tree overhanging private property

Policy : Tree and personal medical complaint

We will not prune or fell a council owned/managed tree where a request has been made to do so because of a medical condition.

Note : some exposure to a claim of statutory nuisance but no case law to require tree owners to consider personal health impacts.

Tree enquiry not requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed of council policy within 10 days of receipt of the enquiry. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site.

Tree and vandalism

Any act of vandalism to a council owned/maintained tree

Policy : Tree and vandalism

We will look into any reports of vandalism to a council owned/managed tree and try to repair any damage where we can.

Customer Advice :

1. We will generally plant larger trees that are more difficult to vandalise. In addition we protect all new standards with metal guarding which is removed once the tree has become established usually two years after planting. We actively promote young tree planting and encourage friends groups and young people to take part and care for trees in there neighbourhood. We also encourage local communities to report incidence of vandalism and we will take legal action where witness are prepared to come forward

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

Tree and crime/antisocial behaviour

Council tree implicated in providing cover/conditions to encourage criminal activity/anti-social behaviour

Policy : Tree and crime/anti-social behaviour

Where a council owned/managed tree/shrub bed is associated with criminal activity and/or anti-social behaviour, measures to reduce the problem will be considered on a site by site basis.

Customer Advice :

1. Where a tree is associated with criminal activity and/or antisocial behaviour, steps to reduce the problem will typically require the coordination of a number of agencies including the police. Just pruning or felling a tree is not always the answer to the problem. Some research shows that areas with lots of trees actually help to make places safer. But, neglected spaces with overgrown trees and untidy areas can encourage criminal activity and/or anti-social behaviour. The council's tree and grounds maintenance programme tries to improve these areas by making the local environment cleaner, greener and safer.

2. You are not allowed to remove wood (or other parts of a tree) from parks and open spaces without consent. Generally, we either remove cut timber from site, or it is left in place as a wildlife habitat. Un-authorised persons are not allowed to use a chainsaw of any type in parks and open spaces. If you see someone who may be removing wood without consent

(person not associated with a relevant sign written vehicle and/or without chainsaw clothing that clearly identifies who they are) or they are using a chainsaw contact Customer services

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

NOTE : we will endeavour to respond more quickly according to the level of risk described.

Tree and carriageway obstruction

A council tree causing an obstruction to a roadway(height/widt h restriction) due to the growth of branches

Policy : Tree and carriageway obstruction

We will undertake work to a tree in council

ownership/management to maintain a minimum 5 metres height clearance over the carriageway(associated with a street, road or highway)

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

Tree and road - sight lines obstruction

A council tree causing an obstruction to a sight line/junction in the highway

Policy : Tree and road - sight lines obstruction

We will undertake work to a tree in council ownership/management to maintain clear sight lines at junctions and access points(associated with a street, road or highway)

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

Tree and traffic signal obstruction

A council tree causing an obstruction to a traffic signal

Policy : Tree and traffic signal obstruction

We will undertake work to a tree in council

ownership/management to maintain clear sight lines for traffic signals and street signs(associated with a street, road or highway)

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

NOTE : we will endeavour to respond more quickly according to the level of risk described

Tree and street light obstruction

A council tree causing an obstruction to traffic signal

Policy : Tree and street light - obstruction

We will undertake work to a tree in council ownership/management to ensure that the street light is not unduly blocked by the presence of the tree.

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

Tree and pavement - obstruction

A Council tree causing an obstruction to a public footpath associated with a street, road, or highway(height/widt h restriction) due to the growth of branches

Policy : Tree and pavement obstruction

We will undertake work to a council owned/managed trees to maintain a minimum 2.5 metres height clearance over a footpath associated with a street, road or highway (3 metres where there are cycling rights). Any works necessary to prevent an obstruction in the width of a footpath associated with the highway due to the presence of a council owned tree will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

NOTE : we will endeavour to respond more quickly according to the level of risk described

Tree dangerous requiring immediate action

Council tree that is dead, dying(diseased) or dangerous

Policy : Tree dangerous requiring immediate action

If a council owned tree is in such a condition that it poses an Imminent risk of failure that could cause harm to people or property and is considered to be an emergency situation, instruction will be given to our tree team to make the tree safe as soon as is reasonable practicable

Customer Advice :

1. If a tree poses an immediate and present danger(urgent response) it will be made safe as soon as is reasonable practice (very high risk - emergency situation). If the level of risk is lower the tree will be made safe within 6 months(High risk) or 12 months (medium risk)

2. Signs to look for which may mean that a tree is in such condition to warrant immediate action include :

1. tree is snapped or blown over
2. tree is rocking - roots are damaged
3. tree uprooted but held up by another tree or building
4. a large branch has broken off or is hanging off the tree
5. tree or branch is blocking the road or footpath
6. tree or branch is blocking the access to a property
7. tree has fallen onto a house or car

3. Signs to look out for which may mean that a tree is a risk to people or property but the risk does not require an emergency response.

1. tree is dead
2. the tree is dying - few leaves in summer or dieback in the crown
3. bark is loose or falling of
4. mushrooms or fungi growing on or near the tree
5. old splits and cracks in the trunk or large branches
6. smaller branches or twigs falling from the tree

4. Trees can be made safe by routine maintenance. Typically we would employ the most cost effective approach. But, for certain High Value trees we would consider other options to reduce risk to an acceptable level including options to reduce the likelihood of the tree failing or the likelihood of persons being close to the tree if it did fail.

Emergency tree related issue

The council will attend site within 1 hour to make the situation safe. An emergency is defined as a tree that is in immediate danger of collapse or a tree that is causing an obstruction requiring urgent attention

Tree requiring action but not imminent danger

Council tree may be dangerous (part or whole tree)

Policy : Tree requiring action but not imminent danger

If a tree is identified as requirng work, but the risk to the public is not immediate then the tree will be made safe depending on the degree of risk identified at the time of inspection. Our standards are 'within 6 months if high risk', or within 12 months if 'medium risk' Customer Advice :

1. If the tree is so dangerous to the public or property to pose an emergency it will be made safe within 24 hours, otherwise works to the tree will be prioritised according to level of risk identified

2. Signs to look out for which may mean that a tree is a risk to people or property but the risk does not require an emergency response.

1. tree is dead
2. the tree is dying - few leaves in summer or dieback in the crown
3. bark is loose or falling of
4. mushrooms or fungi growing on or near the tree
5. old splits and cracks in the trunk or large branches

3. Signs to look out for which may mean that a tree is in such a condition to warrant immediate action include:

1. tree is snapped or blown over
2. tree is rocking - roots are damaged
3. tree uprooted but held up by another tree or building
4. a large branch has broken off or is hanging off the tree
5. tree or branch is blocking the road or footpath
6. tree or branch is blocking the access to a property
7. tree has fallen onto a house or car

4. Trees can be made safe by routine maintenance. Typically we would employ the most cost effective approach. But, for certain High Value trees we would consider other options to reduce risk to an acceptable level including options to reduce the likelihood of the tree failing or the likelihood of persons being close to the tree if it did fail.

Tree enquiry requiring a site inspection

The customer will be informed within 10 days of receipt that a site inspection is required and that such site inspection will be undertaken within 4 weeks of receipt and the customer notified of what action is considered appropriate.

NOTE : we will endeavour to respond more quickly according to the level of risk described

Tree (private) - danger to land other than highway

Policy : Tree(private) - danger to land other than highway

The danger posed by trees between private parties is principally a matter for such parties to resolve. The Local Authority may have powers to require a private individual to make safe a tree via Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976 . It is expected that private parties will take care of their own responsibilities and hence the council should not be considered as the first point of contact in attempting to resolve concerns about the danger posed by trees in private ownership. However , the council will intervene according to the powers given in the Act if an owner of such trees fails to act in a reasonable timescale.

Response rate depends on the degree of risk described.

Tree maintenance regimes

A council owned tree on public land

Or a council owned tree overhanging a private property

Policy : Tree Maintenance regimes

The council intends to manage its trees so that they make a positive contribution to their locality and are reasonably safe and do not cause excessive nuisance. Equally we wish to see more people benefit from the presence of trees by ensuring a more equal distribution of tree cover across the district.

Customer Advice :

1. The council has in place a routine schedule of tree inspections, information being stored on a Arbortrack system. The frequency of inspections depends on the tree itself and considerations of age/location/condition are defining factors when inspections are carried out. The frequency of monitoring are usually between 1-5 year cycles. The way trees are managed very much reflects where they are and ultimately the amount of space they have to grow.

2. Trees in parks and open spaces are managed to reflect the circumstances of any one site and the type, age and condition of the trees. Trees in parks generally have more room to grow compared to the street and hence typically they can grow to their full height and spread. Ongoing maintenance can include the removal of dead wood, removing low branches from pathways and the removal of trees when they come to the end of their safe and useful life. Available resources will be used to plant new trees where a need is identified.

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate

Tree safety inspections

A council owned tree established on public land

Or a council owned tree overhanging a private property

Policy : Tree Safety Inspections

Trees in council ownership are inspected for safety on a cycle between 18 months and five years according to the level of public use in the area immediately surrounding the tree Customer Advice:

1. Trees are inspected by one of the council's technical officers to check on their condition and to identify whether any works are necessary to make them reasonably safe. The cycle or reinspection is determined by the location of the tree. For very high use areas such trees are inspected every 18 months, whereas in little used areas trees are inspected every 5 years.

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate

Publicising tree felling/pruning

Works to a council owned tree

Policy : Publicising tree felling/pruning

Where works are minor such as pruning, or the removal of trees that are less than 30 cm diameter measured 1.3 metres from the ground this will be done without recourse to publicity

Where works are more impacting including the felling of larger trees or works to veteran trees we will erect a site notice on or very close to the affected tree - where several trees are affected in the same site it may be more appropriate to erect a site notice including a map/schedule.

In addition we will inform the ward councillors under the 'no surprises policy'

When a tree scheme(felling, pruning or planting) is judged to be more impacting on the local area we will consider more publicity as appropriate

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate

Information request Will a newly planted tree be maintained (watered)?

Policy : Will a newly planted tree be maintained?

All newly planted council owned trees are subject to a twoyear maintenance programme to ensure that they become established. This includes watering which is done anytime between early April and late summer according to climate conditions in any one year. In dry summers trees may need to be watered ten or more times. Trees planted as part of a woodland establishment programme are not usually watered being small (typically 60-90cm tall) as they are more drought resistant.

Customer Advice :

1. We will try to keep newly planted trees watered(for the first two years after planting), but some trees may be missed or some trees, because of local conditions, need more water than others. If you see a tree suffering clear signs of drought, for example the leaves look wilted, then contact us and provide details of the location of the tree. Residents can help water newly planted trees by pouring a bucket of water around a newly planted tree's roots, 'grey' water from the washing up or the bath will be fine.

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate

Information request Why is/was a tree felled?

Policy : Why is/was a tree felled?

A response to the reasons why any one tree was felled will be given within 10 working days of receipt Customer Advice :

1. Tree removal is regrettable but under a number of circumstances necessary. The decision to remove a tree is not taken lightly and, apart from when a dangerous tree needs urgent attention, we will inform local residents when we believe that tree felling is necessary(except trees less than 30cm diameter - see policy on Tree Removals).

2. Most trees that need to be felled have become unsafe and there is no cost effective solution to otherwise retain the tree. Other reasons why trees need to be removed include where a tree is completely out of scale with its surroundings, where its removal would benefit the surrounding trees or habitat, where planning approval has been granted.

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate

Information request Why is/was a tree pruned?

Policy : Why is/was a tree pruned?

A response to reasons why a tree was pruned will be given within 10 working days of receipt.

Customer Advice :

1. Trees are pruned for a variety of reasons including the removal of damaged or poorly formed branches, to reduce the likelihood of failure by taking the 'weight' out of the tree, to reduce a nuisance, re-balance or re-shape a canopy, issues of encroachment.

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate

Information request why are tree stumps left in parks and open spaces?

Policy : Why are tree stumps left in parks and open spaces?

When a tree is felled in a parks and open spaces the stump will remain at height(usually no more than 1m) to be more visual and not create a possible trip hazard to the public. Tree stumps may then be removed later as part of our winter works programme and where necessary the area will be returned to grass, or a more suitable species will be planted.

occasionaly stumps are left for habitat to help increase biodiversity but only where it is suitable.

Customer Advice :

1. Stumps are typically around a metre or so tall, and only stumps greater than 20cm diameter are retained otherwise the tree is felled to ground level.

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate

Tree planting programme

New tree planting on council owned land

Policy : Tree planting programme

The Council is committed to maintaining and increasing the tree cover across the district, budget restrictions may mean that we cannot commit to replacing every council tree that is felled. Currently we plan our annual tree planting in accordance to available budget resources. New trees planted are where appropriate standard sized trees some 2-4 metres tall which make an immediate impact and are more resilient to vandalism.

Customer Advice :

1. When the decision is taken to remove a council owned tree, the technical officer will determine whether it is appropriate to replant a tree in the same place, or very close by.

2. Many parks and open spaces have been planted with trees over succeeding generations but without the benefit of a clear design. Sometimes this works well, but in some sites the trees actually detract from the overall enjoyment of the site because there are too many trees, they are the wrong species or in the wrong place. Given this, we do not believe that it is always appropriate to simply replace a tree in the same place. Our preferred approach is to prepare a tree planting plan for the site reflecting its character, scale, use and local interests

3. Where a tree is felled in a park or open space and it is clear that the original tree should be replaced then we would endeavour to do this during the first tree planting season(November - March) following the removal of the tree. If resources are insufficient to allow us to do this during the first season, then we will make a commitment to replace the tree as resources allow.

4. Where trees are planted there will be a minimum distance of 0.5m (measured from the main trunk) of soft ground maintained around the tree. Woodchip maybe used and will not exceed a maximum depth of 10 cm ; or a purpose designed tree grid installed ; and a irrigation tube to allow watering in the summer season. Theses products will be installed in compliance to the manufacturers guidelines and current best practice in order to ensure maximum performance.

Clarification of council policy about trees/general enquiries

The enquiry will be answered within 10 working days of receipt. Customers can receive an immediate response by searching for the relevant stated policy on the council's web site. If the enquirer requires further research we will inform the customer within 10 working days and indicate a timescale for any response as appropriate