Tree owners need to look upward to assess safety of their trees – and the Welsh Government also needs to look upward – and create a tree-health strategy
“April and May – when trees are beginning to come into leaf – is the right time to inspect trees to spot dead branches and avoid unnecessary prosecution and cost if they fall and cause damage or obstruction.” says Charles de Winton rural surveyor at the CLA. “Branches failing to produce new leaves are likely to be dead and are likely to fall. Trees overhanging public highways, footpaths, buildings and vulnerable land need special attention – owners are responsible for managing the trees on their land, the risk to the public and for damage to the public highway or neighbouring properties.”
This valuable advice about existing trees comes as woodland owners are concerned about increasing rates of tree disease in Wales, notably ash dieback, phylopthera (which affects larch) and a range of other pests and pathogens affecting our trees. “Wales needs a Tree Health initiative similar to a pilot launched in England last year.” Charles adds. “Landowners and managers in Wales have been lobbying the Welsh Government for clarity and support about felling and replacing diseased trees as diseases like ash dieback have spread rapidly.”
“The Welsh Government is committed dramatically to increase woodland and forestry here it’s important to sustain the health of the stock we already have. The whole community has heard the Government’s call to plant more trees contributing to the creation of a National Forest to meet net-zero goals and support bio-conservation.” Charles continues, “More attention needs to be paid to prolonging the health of existing trees which possess an immediate and high-volume capacity for carbon management. We’re calling for the Welsh Government to create a tree health strategy alongside its’ planting initiative.”
“In the interests of safety – notably over public highways – trees may be managed by owners,” Charles says. “National Parks, conservation areas and Tree Preservation Orders all present complications with respect to managing trees. Trees in hedges also present difficulties in compliance with regulations, which prevent cutting between March and September to protect nesting birds. These requirements often make tree-owners reticent about taking timely action.”
“Tree owners with any doubt should liaise with the local authority tree officer or planning department. Through our regional and national offices we can provide advice to CLA members where doubts or issues arise.”
