ALL HANDS TO THE CHAINSAW AS COUNCIL STEPS UP WINTER TREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

Important for tree surgery to be undertaken outside bird-nesting season

A MAJOR programme of tree maintenance is underway in North East Lincolnshire.

The council is responsible for more than 100,000 trees along roadsides and in parks, cemeteries and  open spaces.

But they have to be managed both to keep them healthy and safe.

Work is prioritised depending on the risk the tree presents to public safety.

Says a NELC spokesperson: "Winter is a critical time as the weather worsens and storms and high winds can damage even healthy trees.

"Trees under the council’s control are routinely checked to see if any work is needed.

"Even well managed trees can fall or lose branches, particularly during spells of bad weather. It is not always possible to replace fallen or felled trees."

Routine and non-emergency work is usually carried out throughout winter to save disturbance to birds during the nesting season.

Areas may be cordoned off if many trees or branches come down because the team can only deal with one tree at a time.

The council stresses that it is not responsible for  pruning or removing trees due to shading, leaf litter, insect infestation, interference with television reception, overhanging or bird droppings.

Not all trees in public places are under the control of the council. Some are privately owned and some fall under the control of other organisations. 

The council requests that householders do not sweep fallen leaves into kerbside gutters as this blocks water from draining and can cause localised flooding.