Tree policy

Requests for tree works

The council will endeavour to respond to all council owned tree related service requests which are reported as dangerous within 2 working days. There is a 24/7 emergency number for dangerous requests outside normal working hours.

First response to non-urgent cases is within 5 working days, this maybe a contact with the residents and/or a site visit.

Non-urgent requests are assessed against cost, resources, benefit and/or detrimental impact upon the tree as well as the councils responsibilities as outlined in this policy. The council has limited resources to deal with non-urgent requests.

Action in response to requests for tree works

Tree condition	Council owned	Lancashire County Council owned	Private
Dangerous to people or property	We will arrange for the necessary work as a priority	Pass by phone to Lancashire County Council and confirm in an e-mail	We will take action to make area safe and notify the landowner. Legal action may be taken to recoup costs
Dead, diseased, dying, causing structural damage to buildings or development in the area requires removal	We will arrange for the necessary work following advice from council insurers	Report to Lancashire County Council	We will not take action
Non-urgent requests	We will assess against cost, available resources, benefit and/or detrimental impact upon the tree	Complainant to report to Lancashire County Council	We will not take action
Overhanging private property	We will consider works in this situation subject to budget and that the requested work is unlikely to cause detrimental damage to the tree.	Complainant to report to Lancashire County Council	We will not take action
Other issues including: excessive leaf/fruit/blossom/twig fall complaints regarding allergies (pollen/seed), insect sap, bird droppings or bees/wasp nest perceived risk of damage from a tree root ingress into underground drainage (roots will generally enter drains that are already damaged/evidence required) tree deemed too large satellite and/or TV reception interference with telephone lines (responsibility of service provider).	We will not take action	Complainant to report to Lancashire County Council	We will not take action

Where a tree on private land presents an imminent danger to people or property and the owner has failed to act, legislation may be used as a last resort.