Introduction
This Policy describes how North Tyneside Council will manage public trees.
1.1 Overview of the tree population
There is an estimated 705 hectares (A hectare is 10,000m2. This total includes woodland and individual trees, such as in gardens and on streets) of tree canopy cover in North Tyneside. This is the total area of all branches and leaves, when viewed from above.
Trees cover approximately 8.56% of the land in North Tyneside. Compared to other areas this is relatively low. There are various reasons for this, including the coastal location. Increasing the number of trees would bring additional benefits to the area.
1.2 Why it matters how the Council manages its trees
About half of all trees in North Tyneside are on Council land. The decisions and activities of the Council can therefore have a significant influence on
the ‘treescape’. The Council is responsible for a lot of land. This includes public green spaces, such as parks and cemeteries, which contain some of our largest and oldest trees. People value and enjoy these spaces, and the contribution that trees make to them.
Most Council land is accessible to the public. Trees on Council land may also be near to private land, such as gardens or businesses. The way they are managed affects people.
Many people feel connected to trees, and care deeply about them. They feature in important memories and places, help to define local character, and are important for wildlife. Responsible management is not just about trees, it is also about people.
1.3 Why a policy is needed
A tree management policy ensures that small individual decisions are made in a consistent way, with purpose. It acts as a reference for people making decisions and plans, as well as those affected by them.
Trees take time to grow, and poor decisions can have lasting effects. A policy helps to ensure that decisions follow sound principles and prevents harmful actions.
Trees are very variable, and so are the places where they grow. There is no one solution or outcome for all circumstances. However, there are principles that should always be applied, such as consistency, competence, fairness and value for money.
1.4 What the Policy covers
This Policy applies to trees for which the Council is responsible. In most cases, this means trees growing on Council owned land, and the public highway. This population is always changing; as trees grow and decline, and as land ownership changes.
The Policy does not apply to trees on privately owned land. The Council is sometimes involved in the management of these trees, but that is not covered by this document.
Tree management includes:
- Knowing what we have, and what it is like
- Understanding the context and priorities around trees
- Making decisions about when to act and what to do
- Arranging and delivering practical works
- Responding to changing conditions and new information
- Good records and communication
- Using resources responsibly
Council activities such as tree inspections, responding to reports and enquiries, keeping the public informed, and practical works like planting, pruning and tree removal are covered by this policy.
Other Council activities including making Tree Preservation Orders, considering applications for tree works, and trees within the planning process are covered by other policies or guidance.
1.5 Who is this Policy for?
For the public, a policy communicates what the Council will do. This can help to set expectations, build trust and transparency, and explain what the Council is doing.
For the Council, a policy sets out an agreed approach to a complex topic, which can be followed and referred to by different people across the organisation, such as Elected Members and colleagues, including agency workers and contractors. This policy represents the Council’s position, which cannot be set or changed by individuals.
For other stakeholders, a policy explains how the Council will operate. This may be helpful and provide a stable basis for planning coordinated action across sectors, and between organisations.