Trees

Introduction

The Parks, Countryside and Leisure Development Service are responsible for the management and maintenance of the trees in the County’s Parks and Open Spaces and streets.

Tree Safety Survey

The street and park trees across the County undergo a full safety survey to find out if any maintenance work is needed to ensure the tree does not pose any threat to public safety. This survey is carried out by a registered Arboricultural Association consultant.

Often trees require routine maintenance work such as canopy reduction, thinning and the removal of dead wood and broken branches, which helps to extend the life of the tree. However, trees can appear healthy to the untrained eye even when they have been structurally weakened by decay from fungal infections. For health and safety reasons these trees are not considered acceptable in a public area. If a tree poses a severe threat to the public then it must be removed.

Tree Planting

Tree planting is carried out during National Tree Week, which takes place in late autumn each year. This is the best time to plant trees because the weather and soil conditions allow time for the roots to become established before the next growing season.

Where possible new trees are always planted to replace any trees removed after the tree safety survey, which is carried out earlier in the year.

Local schools and community groups are often invited to assist with tree planting in the towns.

Memorial and Sponsored Trees

Memorial and sponsored trees are also planted during National Tree Week, although space is limited. There is also an opportunity to sponsor a tree at Queenswood Country Park.

Contacts

If you have a concern about a tree on Council managed land or would like to find out more about Tree planting or memorial and sponsored trees please contact:

Geof Tarring, Parks Manager
Tel: 01432 260848
Email: parks@herefordshire.gov.uk