Tree Management Policy 2025 Responding to enquiries

How the Council prioritises tree work

The Council has a finite resource for maintaining its trees. We have a legal and moral obligation to manage trees to prevent and reduce risk so it follows that resources shall be prioritised and targeted according to the Council’s duties. Our traffic light system illustrates how the Council prioritises tree work:

Priority Target date for tree works Type of work likely to fall within category
Red 24 hours - 1 week Immediate safety issues e.g. windblown/storm-damaged trees by target in high or medium occupancy zone.
Amber 12 weeks

Essential works such as:

  • Removing standing dead trees from public areas.
  • Removing fallen trees where they present an obstruction.
  • Removing significant deadwood.
  • Work for health and safety reasons.
  • Removal of ash exhibiting dieback in excess of 50% from high or medium occupancy zones.
Green 6-12 months

Where resources allow, may include the following:

  • Removing less significant deadwood.
  • Tipping back branches in contact with property.
  • Formative pruning
Not applicable Not applicable

The Council will not fell or prune trees solely for the following reasons:

  • Disruption of surfaces and light structures such as footpaths, patios, driveways and fences
  • Reduced light levels
  • Interference with television and/or satellite reception
  • To alleviate the inconvenience of a tree’s seasonal and/or natural processes such as:
  • Leaves
  • Twigs/small dead branches
  • Pollen
  • Fruit and seeds
  • Bird droppings
  • Honeydew from insects
  • Drains blocked by leaves or roots
  • Branches overhanging boundaries
  • Trees impacting on planning permissions on third party land
  • Personal medical complaints

Tree inspections in response to complaints will not be required in these circumstances.

Residents' enquiries

A record must be made of all enquiries and action taken. However, the Council is advised to ensure that the level of information that we keep complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Council’s information retention policy. Residents’ enquiries about tree-related hazards are logged and categorised so that they can be followed up where appropriate. When an enquiry is assessed as a non-essential tree issue that the Council does not manage the Council will inform the resident and the enquiry closed.

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