Other policies

1. Scope and purpose

1.1 This policy identifies the Parish Council’s approach to the management of trees on land owned by the council. It is intended to act as a point of reference for the public, councillors and council employees to ensure a clear, consistent and structured approach to the management of trees. It does not apply to trees located on land owned by Lincolnshire County Council Highways or any other organisation or individual. 

1.2 The council will operate tree management based on a set of five principles:

• Trees provide a wide variety of benefits to society.
• Trees are living organisms that naturally lose branches or fall.
• The overall risk to the public is extremely low.
• The owners of trees have a legal duty of care.
• Tree owners should take a balanced and proportionate approach to tree safety management.

1.3 Identification of trees included in the Policy

1.3.1 All trees growing on the Parish Council’s land including but not limited to the following areas: Recreation Ground, Rochester Close, St John’s Cemetery, Woodland Walk, Red Hall Lane and The Heath: Village Hall and Library.

2. Inspections

2.1 Inspection Schedule

2.1.1 The following inspections will be undertaken:

• A formal three-year inspection will be carried out by an Arboricultural Consultant appointed by the council.
• An informal monthly inspection will be carried out by a member of staff. This inspection will be a visual inspection from ground level only. A record of the visual inspections will be maintained.
• Ad-hoc informal inspections by a member of staff after exceptional weather events (high winds etc.) or a report by a member of the public. A record of the visual inspections will be maintained.

3. Reporting Requirements

3.1 All remedial work identified in the formal survey and subsequently authorised by the council will be undertaken in accordance with the priority indicated in the survey.

3.2 Any problems requiring action identified by members of staff in the monthly or ad-hoc inspections will be reported to the next meeting of the council. If deemed appropriate, a formal survey by an Arboricultural Consultant will be arranged and/or estimate(s) will be obtained for the remedial work to be undertaken, such estimate(s) to be considered by the council at the following meeting. Matters which are considered by the clerk to be an urgent or a health and safety risk will be dealt with under the relevant scheme of delegated authority and reported back to the council at the next appropriate meeting.

4. Tree Work

4.1 The council will allocate sufficient resources to ensure it is able to manage the trees for which it is responsible. The council will carry out work in the following circumstances:

• Where there is deemed to be significant risk to the public.
• Where there is deemed to be significant risk to property.
• To comply with the Highways Act 1980 Section 154 where trees overhang the highway.
• Where work is required to prolong life or promote development of good tree
• structure.
• Where a dead, dying, diseased or otherwise dangerous tree is identified.

4.2 The council will not fell or prune trees on council owned land:

• For cosmetic reason
• Solely to alleviate problems caused by natural and/or seasonal phenomena ie dropping of leaves.  
• For reasons of light
• For reasons of loss of view
• Where they are causing interference with television or satellite reception, unless
• complainants have taken other measures to improve reception without success and it can be proven that pruning will improve reception.

4.3 Consideration will always be given to the impact of any tree pruning or felling on local wildlife.  Tree pruning or felling will only take place outside the bird nesting season of March to August, unless matters of public safety dictate otherwise. 

4.4 In considering any action the council will take account of the amenity value of the trees concerned.

4.5 The council will ensure all tree works are carried out to BS3998:2010 British Standards for Tree Work (and any subsequent revisions). Tree pruning will only be undertaken where   there is sound justification for the work following the principles at 4.2.  Where pruning is undertaken it will be in accordance with good arboriculture practice to ensure minimum harm to the tree and every effort will be made to ensure the general shape and character of each tree is retained.

4.6 The council will give consideration to any complaints and requests regarding trees on council owned property taking into account its tree management policy and/or advice from an Arboricultural Consultant.

4.7 Trees that have a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) or are in a Conservation Area require the approval of North Kesteven District Council for any works to be undertaken.

5. Planting of trees

5.1 Wherever possible, where existing mature trees have had to be removed due to disease or damage, a new tree will be planted. This will be of a suitable type for the environment and species (or variants of them) native to the U.K or the near continent will generally be preferred.                                                                                                                          

5.2 Tree planting in new locations will have regard to the surroundings. Consideration will be given to the proximity of buildings or structure that might be overshadowed or could suffer from root damage from newly planted trees. Where planting is in proximity to other trees or habitat, such planting will have regard to the existing ecology so as to enhance rather than damage this.

6. Carrying out tree works yourself and pruning guidance for members of the public  

6.1 In common law, a property owner can cut back overhanging branches to the boundary of their property.  The council would usually have no objection to property owners carrying out tree work or engaging a contractor at their own expense, provided that:

• Access is not gained onto the neighbouring land or to a tree within that land; if access to our land or to a tree on that land is required, our permission must be sought.
• The tree is not situated in a Conservation area or protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
• Any work done to a tree is not detrimental to its health or stability; for their own protection members of the public are advised to obtain advice from an Arboricultural Consultant.
• Any arisings created by the tree pruning work are disposed of correctly and not left on the council’s land.
• That any work is carried out to an acceptable standard, in accordance with the British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work 3998:2010
• The property owner notifies the council (before the work begins) of the proposed work and commencement date.

7. Responsibilities & review

7.1 The Full Council is responsible for the review of this policy every 3 years or in response to changes in relevant legislation.

8. Version control and amendment history