Tree management policy

The number and distribution of trees means that tree management happens in very diverse situations. The Council has responsibilities that may apply to all tree management, or just in some circumstances. 

Understanding and sometimes balancing these requires care and, often, specialist knowledge.

This section is about what influences the way the Council manages its trees, and how it is structured.

2.1 Responsibilities

The Council has various responsibilities that it must consider as part of tree management. This Policy does not contain a full list, which may change over time, but it outlines the key topics of relevance to the Council’s tree management.

The Arboriculture team will have regard for these in all its activities, be aware of the Council’s responsibilities, and identify any risks or challenges to meeting them.

The law places duties on the Council. For example, in relation to tree safety. There are things the Council must do, which therefore may sometimes take

priority over other activities.

Working within the law is a very broad topic. Within this, some areas are particularly relevant to tree management, such as laws around protected and invasive species, plant health and biosecurity, waste handling, felling licences, health and safety, and environmental impact assessment. These mostly relate to how the Council operates.

The Council has a leadership role. It is a large organisation that manages a significant number of trees.  Its actions may have a significant impact on both the treescape, and the culture and standards of tree management in the Borough. It will therefore aim for excellence and follow best practice.

As a public body, the Council must use resources responsibly and ensure value for money. Doing tree work that is unnecessary or could be done more cost-effectively may draw resources away from more urgent or beneficial activities. This Policy sets out how the Council will ensure careful use of resources.

2.2 Arboriculture at North Tyneside

The Council has specialist arboriculturists to manage its trees. They are qualified, trained and competent to make informed decisions on behalf of the Council.   Collectively, they are referred to by this policy as the Arboriculture team. 

Having the best overview and understanding of the evidence, context and priorities allows the Arboriculture team to understand the consequences of its decisions and exercise professional judgement.

The Arboriculture team has an advisory and decision-making role. It decides when to prune, remove and plant trees; and provides technical advice. It also does all tree inspections.

The Arboriculture team also plans and delivers all aspects of practical tree works, such as tree surgery and planting.

The Arboriculture team has a lead role in ensuring compliance with this policy across the Council, because of its expertise in this area and direct responsibility for many of the functions it covers.

Other service areas should consult the Arboriculture team as necessary for technical input and advice, or to undertake tree works. For example, on highway maintenance, in parks, planning consultation, and on enquiries and claims.

The Council will ensure that it has the skills, systems and resources are in place to manage its trees according to this policy. This policy does not prescribe this type of operational detail, because what is appropriate may evolve.

2.3 Other local policy, strategy and objectives

Tree management sits within a wider Council agenda and may play a role in delivering other connected objectives.

This policy supports the delivery of:

• Our North Tyneside Plan
• North Tyneside Net-Zero Action Plan
• Newcastle and North Tyneside Biodiversity Action Plan
• Green Infrastructure Strategy

It is also consistent with:

• The Council’s Climate Change Emergency Declaration
• The Local Plan

The Council will produce other information as required to supplement this Policy and to guide and support tree management. 

These may include:

• Strategies that set out what the Council plans to achieve generally, or on a specific topic (e.g. a Tree Planting Strategy)
• Operating procedures that explain the technical detail of day-to-day activities and provide guidance and a reference for colleagues
• Standard details and specifications that establish how activities will be done as standard, including by others for the Council
• Management plans, such as for a particular site or trees can help to coordinate and communicate activities, and secure external funding
• Guidance and information for specific audiences, including via the Council’s website