Tree management policy

This policy does not define what the treescape of the future should be like. It is mostly about how existing trees are managed, and how the Council organises tree management and makes decisions. It is intended to ensure that any strategy or objectives can be delivered well, according to clear principles.

The following aims will be embedded into Council tree management. These will apply to any tree management or overall strategy:

• Protect what we have
• Make improvements
• Maximise benefits from trees
• Follow best practice

3.1 Protect what we have

Trees provide a wide range of benefits that we are getting better at understanding and measuring. We also know that having trees around us will be increasingly important because of climate change.

However, individual trees can cause problems, for example, if they become dangerous due to a disease.  In most places, a change in tree condition or context could necessitate action.

In our tree management there will be a presumption against doing anything to a tree, including tree removal, unless there is a good reason.  We will also plan necessary tree works in a way that minimises loss and harm to trees so far as reasonable.

Trees need a stable and safe growing environment to thrive. We will be mindful of the presence of trees when we are doing other things in their vicinity, like repairing paths. The Council will plan works to avoid damaging trees wherever possible.

Where trees are at risk of damage, including by vandalism or accidentally, we will try to prevent this.  For example, by installing guards, or mulch around the base of a tree.

3.2 Make improvements

Trees are changing all the time, and so are the spaces they live in. Just maintaining what we have therefore requires action. However, we also want to enhance the treescape of the Borough.

Improvement doesn't just mean increasing the number of trees, although this would be beneficial.  It means making sure that trees are increasingly in the right places, where they are needed the most. It also means managing trees to improve their condition, quality and resilience, individually and collectively.

We will look for opportunities for expansion and enhancement of the treescape as part of our routine activities. For example, choosing preferable species when trees must be replaced.  We will also look for new opportunities, such as places where trees could be planted.

The Council must sometimes balance improvements against looking after what we already have.  Improvements will only be made where this does not undermine important ongoing requirements like safety.

What constitutes an improvement can be subjective, so we will identify opportunities that are supported by clear evidence, strategy, and/or relevant stakeholders.  New initiatives may be delivered in partnership with other organisations and sectors and may use funding from a variety of sources.  The Council will prioritise improvements that represent value for money and deliver the widest benefits.

3.3 Maximise benefits

We should understand what benefits our trees are providing, and what potential they have. We will build and maintain a detailed understanding of the treescape so that we can make informed decisions.

Benefits are about the relationship between trees and the surrounding people and environments. Sometimes, maximising benefits is about enabling people to access or take advantage of what is already available.

We will work to ensure that everyone has good access to trees and green spaces.

Understanding trees also includes listening to people and understanding how they interact with the treescape.  This may include positive and negative views.  The Council will try to understand and balance wider public benefits like air quality and flood management, against specific or local objectives like views and leaf litter.

When we are deciding how to manage trees, we will choose options that preserve or enhance the benefits that they provide where possible.  For example, we may reduce the size of a tree instead of removing it.

Where there are opportunities to change routine management to increase benefits that we know are important, we will do this. For example, by adjusting management to improve biodiversity.

3.4 Follow best practice

Managing trees is complex.  We therefore have systems and procedures in place to help us to be consistent.  In a large organisation like the Council, these are important so ensure that we are all working towards the same goals whilst being fair, transparent and efficient.

We will keep our tree management under review to ensure that it follows current policy, the law, and best practice. Where necessary, we will update operational and procedural detail.