3. Tree management guidance
Most enquiries and complaints regarding trees are referred to below and the council’s tree management response is outlined. Some people may refer to a tree being a nuisance or inconvenience though it always should be considered that often others will consider the same tree to be an asset. The council recognises that there needs to be a balance between preserving the current tree population whilst also recognising that tree management is sometime necessary due to sound arboricultural reasons. EDDC will take each enquiry or complaint about a tree and assess each situation on its own individual basis.
Unsafe trees, diseased and damaged trees
Where concern has been raised about the safety or condition of a tree, the council will ensure that the tree is inspected as part of its duty of care of which all land owners have responsibility. Resident’s are likely to be asked a few key questions to help the council establish a response time to enable resources to be effectively used. Often, trees which may be considered dangerous are often not the case. Trees have evolved to be able to cope with strong winds by being flexible which helps dissipate the winds energy and can respond to changes in their condition and environment by putting on adaptive growth. Research has suggested that trees are thought to be at least 4.5 times stronger than they need to be.
Council tree management response:
- Tree work will only be carried out where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer.
Trees touching or damaging buildings
Where trees are touching a building the council will aim to achieve a clearance where possible of at least 1.5m. It maybe necessary to remove the tree if it is considered to be in an inappropriate location.
Council tree management response:
- Tree work will only be carried out where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer and where work is considered not to be to the detrimental of the local area or health of the tree.
- Tree work will only be carried out where trees are considered too close to a property or unsuitable for the location.
Trees obstructing footpaths, street lamps or road signs.
Where a council tree is causing an obstruction to roads, right of way, signs or lampposts, the council will carry out appropriate pruning to ensure clearance. Over roads, this will ensure clearance to 5.2m and footpaths to 2.4m.
Council tree management response:
- Tree work will only be carried out where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer and where work is considered not to be to the detrimental of the local area or health of the tree.
Shading - 'the tree is too large’
It is often the case that residents expect the trees and hedges next to their property to be maintained and pruned by the council as a matter of course. However, as often misquoted, there is no right to light in a garden. The law in relation to the right to light refers to where it can be established that there has been 20 years of uninterrupted enjoyment of light which applies to a window or opening within a building. Just because a tree is large, it does not mean that a tree is dangerous. Where concern is raise about the safety of a tree, the council will inspect the tree. See Tree Inspection.
Council tree management response:
- Tree work will only be carried where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer and where work is considered not to be to the detrimental of the local area or health of the tree.
- Where trees are considered too close to a property or unsuitable for the location.
- Where there are specific individual circumstances where an individuals quality of life is being seriously effected; for instance for someone who maybe housebound or visually impaired,
Solar panels
Residents should understand that shading will effect the efficiency of solar panels and therefore the effects of any trees nearby which may cause shading should be considered by residents. Whilst the council recognises the importance of renewable energy resources, trees are also important in tackling climate change.
Council tree management response:
- Tree work is unlikely to take place to unless in exceptional circumstances.
Television reception
As with the right to light, there is no right to television reception. Trees can cause interference with TV reception especially during periods of exceptional weather. The effects of nearby trees on reception should be considered if installing satellite television. Often, relocating an aerial will improve receptions. Customers are recommended to contact their provider regarding any issues with reception to ask for advice. It is the responsibility of the provider to ensure that they can provide you with reception.
Council tree management response:
- Tree work is unlikely to take place to unless in exceptional circumstances.
Overhanging branches
There is no legal requirement for owners of trees to prune overhanging branches back to the boundary. Residents can legally prune overhanging branches back to boundary but no further. (It is recommended that residents check before carrying out any work that the trees are not protected).
Council tree management response:
- Tree work will only be carried where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer and where work is considered not to be to the detrimental of the local area or health of the tree.
- Where trees are touching a residents house or garage.
- Where trees are considered too close to a property or unsuitable for the location.
- Where there are specific individual circumstances where an individuals quality of life is being seriously effected; for instance for someone who maybe housebound or visually impaired
Leaf litter, bird droppings, honey dew, aphid damage
These are all natural occurrences which typically occur at certain times of the year and in the majority of cases, the benefits of the trees are considered to outweigh these short term annoyances. Unfortunately the wind does not take any notice of property boundaries and it should be expected that the wind will blow leaves around. The clearance of leaves from gutters and pathways , and removal of self setting seeds such as Sycamores seeds are considered to be part of a normal routine general maintenance which is expected to be carried out by property owners. Honeydew is caused by aphids which excrete a sugary sap. Some species of Lime tree are particularly prune to aphids and these species are avoided when replanting. Pruning is not considered to be an effective way of helping to control any of these issues.
Council tree management response:
- Tree work will only be carried where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer and where work is considered not to be to the detrimental of the local area or health of the tree.
- Where there are specific individual circumstances where an individuals quality of life is being seriously effected; for instance for someone who maybe housebound or visually impaired. ? Warm soapy water will remove Honeydew particularly if washed as soon as possible.
- Alternative solutions would be expected to be considered such as the use of car covers.
View from a private property
There is no right to a view and residents should take note of any trees on public land near to their property prior to purchasing as trees over time will grow.
Council tree management response:
- The council will not carry out work to a tree to improve or maintain a view.
Medical conditions (allergies), bees or wasps.
Trees can in the case of pollen and hay fever can have a detrimental impact on the health of an individual. However, due to the nature of windborne pollen, pollen can travel considerable distances.
Council tree management policy:
- The council is unlikely to carry out work to a tree which is implicated in causing health issues unless:
- There are specific individual circumstances where an individuals quality of life is being seriously effected.
- It can be proved that the tree is causing serious health issues.
- Removal of the tree will significantly improve the situation. ? A doctors certificate may be required to confirm that the tree is causing the health problem.
- That other factors to relieve the situation cannot be reasonably carried out to improve the situation.
Poisonous berries
It is well know that some trees bear berries or foliage that is poisonous. Thankfully, the incidents of poisoning is very rare and a realistic approach is considered to be an appropriate response to be taken by both the council and member of the public.
Council tree management policy:
- The council is unlikely to carry out any work to a tree over concerns of potential poisoning unless there is likely to be unsupervised young children. Each case will be dealt with on a individual basis.
Roots
Unfortunately roots like branches, do not take into account property boundaries. Roots growing into neighbouring properties is a natural occurrence and only in very rare circumstances will tree roots cause damage. A common misconception is that roots will crush or break underground pipes. If roots have entered a pipe, this will be due to a fault within the pipe which the root has then taken advantage of. Replacing the broken pipe will be necessary. Residents can legally prune roots back to the boundary provided the tree is not protected by a TPO. However this is not recommended and advice from a suitably qualified arboricultural expert should be sort before any pruning takes place. Where a tree has grown or a building or property has been located in close proximity to a tree, direct damage can be caused, usually in the form of a root pushing up and lifting surfaces or lightweight structure. Often the damage can easily be repaired without the need for pruning. Each enquiry relating to root damage shall be dealt with on an individual basis.
Council tree management policy:
- Tree work will only be carried where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer and where work is considered not to be to the detrimental of the local area or health of the tree.
- Tree work will only take place where it has been proved that roots are causing damage. This may involve residents providing sufficient conclusive evidence from either structural engineers or drainage specialists where necessary.
Tree-related subsidence
If you are concerned that your property is suffering from subsidence damage due to the influence of council-owned or managed vegetation, you are advised to contact your property insurer for advice. All cases of tree related subsidence shall be considered based on the provision of sufficient detailed evidence as set out in The Joint Mitigation Protocol. http://www.ltoa.org.uk
Council tree management policy:
- Tree work will only be carried where it is considered necessary as defined by the arboricultural officer and where work is considered not to be to the detrimental of the local area or health of the tree.
- Where sufficient evidence as set out in The Joint Mitigation Protocol has been provided to substantiate that the tree has caused subsidence.
Why has a tree been felled or pruned?
In certain circumstances it maybe necessary to fell or prune a tree as set out within the long term management of council owned trees or to remove a health and safety issue. Some trees will require maintenance due to poor form or structure or it may be necessary to remove them if they are dangerous, to benefit other trees in the surrounding area or sometimes it may simply be the wrong tree in the wrong location. Where possible and if necessary, local resident would be informed of significant tree removal. If trees are small or immediately dangerous then residents may not be notified.
Trees owned and managed by East Devon District Council
If you have any concerns regarding trees owned and managed by East Devon District Council - often land in public open spaces and parks - please contact Customer Services who will firstly confirm whether the land is indeed managed by the council - Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm. Phone: 01395 516551, Website: Contact us Post: Trees, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ
Trees next to the public highway or footpaths
Trees situated next to the public highways or public footpaths are generally managed by Devon County Council. If you have any concerns about a tree please report them using their on-line form, email customer@devon.gov.uk or phone 01392 385084.
Is my tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order or is it in a Conservation Area?
Before carrying out any work to trees, you should find if any of the trees are covered by a Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) or are located within a Conservation Area by contacting our customer service team. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, Phone: 01395 571710, Website: Contact us, Post: Trees, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ
You can be fined up to £20,000 for unauthorised works carried out to any protected trees.