A guide to good tree management

Trees can cause damage to neighbouring property during windy conditions as lose branches become detached.

They can also cause problems over time as they grow larger and their roots spread. Here, they can cause structural damage or subsidence.

They can also cause injury where tree roots become trip hazards themselves or where they disturb paving slabs or other footpath surfaces. On very rare occasions, branches have been known to fall and strike people.

Depending on your own particular circumstances, you may have to meet certain duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

This does not mean that all trees have to be individually examined on a regular basis. A decision has to be taken on what is reasonable in your particular circumstances. This will include consideration of the risks to which people may be exposed. You may also have other responsibilities under additional legislation and these are outlined in our tree management guidance notes below .

The precautions you will have to take will depend upon the number, species and condition of the trees at your premises including any specific hazards they present. Typical precautions could include:

• Branch reduction or removal
• Correct topping and pruning
• Regular re-cutting of pollards
• Using correct arboreal techniques (e.g. to avoid creating large wounds)
• Cable or belt and/or rod bracing of branches
• Crown reduction
• Felling, if other options are not adequate or feasible
• Periodic tree inspections.