Trees

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The Tree Management Policy reflects only the minimum standard necessary for South Derbyshire District Council to meet its legal obligations in relation to the management of trees in its ownership.

Where resources allow, higher standards of management will be applied to ensure that the quality of the Council’s tree stock sets an exemplar standard as we should lead by example.

The Policy has been designed for the following purposes:

• To act as a source of information about issues affecting trees within the District   

• To provide a policy framework for decisions made by the Council that affect trees

• To support the main vision of the Council to make South Derbyshire a better place to live, work and visit

Tree Policy Statements

1. The Council will adopt a proactive approach to managing its trees and undertake regular and routine inspections of all trees on Council managed land within the boundaries of the District.

2. The Council works to create a balance between the needs of the residents, whilst still preserving the amenity of the area.

3. Every tree that is subject to an enquiry will be inspected on an individual basis. An inspection will be undertaken and we will inform the enquirer as to what work, if any, will be carried out. Ward members will be consulted as part of the decision-making process.

4. The Council will always use best arboricultural practice to develop environmental sustainability within our parks and open spaces.

5. The Council will develop balanced tree management plans for all publicly owned Open Space to identify areas of risk, maximise safety, encourage bio-diversity and create a varied and sustainable tree population.

6. Where a tree is removed either due to health and safety or inappropriate planting, we will aim to replant.

7. To help maintain a continuity of tree cover the Council will undertake the planting of new trees where suitable opportunities arise.

8. Tree work will be carried out when one of the problems described below is brought to our attention:

a) Where it poses a safety risk we will remove dead or dangerous trees or parts of trees. Safety work will always be given priority.

b) We will cut back trees from properties where they touch windows, walls, roofs or gutters and to avoid light structures such as aerials, tiles or gutters being damaged by trees moving in the wind and prevent property being engulfed. Preventative measures will be undertaken to avoid future damage when time permits.

c) We will maintain clearance for pedestrians and vehicles over footways and roads respectively. Trees on open spaces, which are not blocking the highway or sight-line, will be left with a more natural shape where the branches may extend down to the ground. To enable free passage.

d) We will take steps to clear a sight-line where it is being blocked by low branches. To maintain vehicular and pedestrian safety.

e) We will cut branches that are touching streetlights, road signs and other street furniture, etc. To maintain vehicular and pedestrian safety.

f)  We will endeavour to maintain clearance of low branches overhanging private gardens when requested to a height of 3m maximum. To prevent nuisance claims.

We will give due consideration to the retention and creation of habitats when planning new planting schemes, adopting management regimes or carrying out maintenance to trees. To increase the biodiversity of the District.

Tree work will not be carried out solely to alleviate problems caused by natural and or seasonal phenomena as follows:
falling leaves;

• sap exudation (e.g. honeydew);
• falling fruits, nuts;
• bird droppings;
• blossom;
• reduction or increase moisture to gardens;
• sucker growth;
• germinating seeds from trees;
• blocked or obstructed drains, gutters, flat roofs from tree deposits and leaves; presence of algae, moss build up;

We will not carry out tree-pruning or tree removal directly attributable to:

• TV or satellite signal reception;
• emission of sunlight or man-made lighting during any part of the day;
• blocking or obstruction of a view from a residence;

In exceptional cases individual circumstances will be taken into account when considering the course of action.

page ref: SDDC 558