Page last updated at 09:18 GMT, Tuesday, May 22 2012
Advice and Policy on Trees
Policy for Trees on Public Land
1. The Council is committed to protecting, improving and
developing the Borough's tree stock in public places. This will be
achieved in two main ways:
a. through the adoption of a continuous programme of tree survey
and maintenance; and
b. through seeking a continuous improvement in the quality and
quantity of trees on public land. A range of species will be
selected for new and replacement planting taking into account their
suitability to each site.
2. The Council's priority in the management of the Borough's trees
will be that of public safety. Where a tree constitutes a
demonstrable hazard to people or property, then the appropriate
works will be carried out as a matter or urgency to render the tree
safe.
3. The Council is committed to maintaining the health and longevity
of trees through appropriate management. Appropriate works will be
undertaken on unhealthy trees where they are threatened by disease
or instability.
4. Trees on public land will be encouraged to develop as well
balanced individuals of a natural form characteristic of their
particular species. Works on such trees will be carried out to the
highest standards of Arboricultural practice and in accordance with
all relevant health and safety legislation. The Council will expect
all tree works to be carried out to at least BS 3998, 1989
standards, and will produce a detailed specification for all tree
works and maintain a select list of suitable Arboricultural
contractors.
5. The Council will be guided by Hampshire County Council's County
Surveyor's 'Highway Maintenance Management Plan' when dealing with
trees on the highway.
6. The Council will not unless legally obliged to do so undertake
works to otherwise healthy and well-formed trees for reasons
of:
- branches overhanging adjacent property
- size
- shedding of leaf, seed, twig or flower litter
- shading of daylight
- interference with transmitted signals
- honeydew exudation
- reduced security by virtue of concealment or
- alleged root damage to property
It should be noted that landowners have the right to prune back
any part of a tree which overhangs their property as far as their
boundary. The Council can supply a list of suitable contractors for
this type of work. It is the landowner's responsibility to
ensure that a tree is not protected in any way before carrying out
or authorising such works.
7. The Council will ensure that trees on public land are retained
wherever possible and are given appropriate protection from the
effects of development and construction activities including the
installation of underground utilities.
8. The Council will ensure that all woodlands on public land are
managed appropriately in accordance with accepted forestry
practices and traditional methods of woodland management and with
respect for their value as important landscape features, wildlife
habitats and recreational amenities.
9. The Council will notify local residents in advance where major
tree works are required. A clear explanation will be given as to
why such works are necessary.
10. The Council will market all usable timber which arises from
tree works where it is cost effective to do so.
Advice
The tree officers can give general advice regarding tree matters
but are not able to provide a consultancy service. Verbal advice
may be given with regards specific and relevant issues but formal
reports will need to be provided by other suitably qualified
professionals. A list of people with the necessary qualifications
and experience is available from the Arboricultural Association on
01242 522152.
On average we receive 2000 calls a
year about Council managed trees. We have to assess the priority of
any tree works and to assist us with this we have a system called
Traffic Light Trees.
This leaflet below provides advice as to what is needed before any
development close to trees, either trees on your property or a
neighbour's property.
So, you've found the house of your dreams...but what about the
garden? Did you notice the trees? They may be in the garden or
growing on land beyond the boundary of your property.
Out of Hours Emergencies
Should a tree-related incident occur outside office hours that
will not wait until the Council Offices are next open, the Council
has an emergency telephone number.
If, in the case of emergency, you need to contact an officer
outside of office hours, please telephone either of the Council's
main telephone numbers listed below and follow the menu to obtain
the emergency number :
023 8068 8000 or 023 8068 8068
Please note, this is strictly for emergencies
only. They will then respond to the incident and take any necessary
action to remove the danger.
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