Bracknell Forest Homes Tree Policy and 5 year Management Plan ( )

Transcription

1 Bracknell Forest Homes Tree Policy and 5 year Management Plan ( ) Protecting, maintaining and planting trees for present and future generations i

2 Table of Contents Scope of Policy Page Requirement for a Tree Policy Page Tree asset value Page Aims of policy Page Current service provision Page.3 Section Tree inspections Section Dangerous trees Section Tree adjacent to my property is damaging wall, paving, etc. Section Tree roots adjacent to property blocking drains Section Trees adjacent to property causing subsidence Section Trees encroaching onto my land Section Tree branch touching property Section Tree overhanging footpath and/or highway Section Trees obscuring street signs and street lighting columns Section Trees touching telephone wires Section Trees causing shade and blocking light into property/garden Section Trees affecting TV reception Section Trees dropping fruit, berries, nuts cones, leaves, etc Section Birds roosting in trees causing a mess Section 15.0 Tree sap causing paths to become sticky Section Insect and wild animals causing a pest issue Section Personal medical condition affected by trees Section Tree linked to anti social behaviour Section 19.0 Vandalised trees and unauthorised pruning Page.3 Page.6 Page.9 Page.10 Page.11 Page.11 Page.12 Page.13 Page.15 Page.16 Page.16 Page.17 Page.18 Page.18 Page.19 Page.20 Page.21 Page.22 Page.22 ii

3 Section 20.0 Tree blocking views Section Tree considered too big for location Section Identifying if a tree is owned by Bracknell Forest Homes Section Planting and establishing trees Section Tree(s) located in tenants garden Section Restrictive Covenants Section High hedges Section Pest and diseases Section Trees in leasehold properties Bracknell Forest Homes Tree Management Action Plan ( ) Sources of Document Control Sheet Page.24 Page.24 Page.25 Page.26 Page.28 Page.29 Page.30 Page.32 Page.32 Page.33 Page.35 Page.36 iii

4 1.0 - Scope of Policy Bracknell Forest Homes Tree Policy is intended to provide a reference point for our tenants, members of the public, local councils and other interested parties. The document sets out to establish a clear, consistent and structured approach to how we manage our trees. The policy details the minimum standard required to meet our legal obligations. However, our policies are not entirely restrictive and when appropriate and when financial resources allow, works can be approved which exceed the minimum standard Requirement for a Tree Policy The development of a tree policy was believed to be necessary for the following reasons: To provide a source of information detailing our processes and procedures for managing trees under our ownership To implement policies which allow us to make consistent tree management decisions To communicate how we meet our legal obligations To demonstrate we have a desire to maintain, conserve and plant more trees for present and future generations To assist in maintaining and improving the appearance of the borough of Bracknell Forest To introduce an action plan that carries the policy forward and allows us to measure, review and adapt the service provided To prioritise the workload of our Tree Team and ensure we are providing value for money The introduction of a Tree Policy reflects the guidance provided by Neighbourhoods Green, a national partnership which offers guidance on the management of open spaces for social housing landlords. Other national initiatives which have influenced our tree policy include the: 2005 UK Strategy for Sustainable Development which underpins the requirement to carefully manage natural resources and restrict damaging practices. Specific reference is made to the importance of trees and woodland 2007 DEFRA document, a Strategy for England s Trees Woods and Forests. This paper outlined the Government s aims for the UK s trees and woodlands, specifically highlighting environmental, economic and social benefits of trees, ensuring trees and woodlands are resilient to climate change, the protection 1

5 and enhancement of natural resources along with the amenity and cultural values of trees. 1.2 Tree asset value Bracknell Forest Homes (BFH) open spaces and associated trees are an essential multi-functional resource, providing a vast array of benefits for local people living in Bracknell s urban community. Some of these benefits include: Engagement with green space Places for social interaction Improving physical health and mental well-being Improving the visual quality of the local area Creating a sense of place and reflecting the local characteristic of the borough Mitigating against the Urban Heat Island effect (UHI) Pollution absorption Reducing the impact of intense precipitation Providing habitat for wildlife Aims of policy Bracknell Forest Homes Tree Policy is defined by the following principles: Tree conservation Tree maintenance Planting more trees We recognise the contribution our trees make towards the character and appearance of the borough of Bracknell Forest and understand the benefit they bring to all those who live, work in and visit the area. For these reasons we aim to protect, promote, sustain and enhance our trees and wooded areas. Any pruning or felling will be based on a logical and sensible assessment of the risks that an individual tree presents, with the initial presumption being for the long term health of the tree and habitat protection. Taking this approach will ensure those living within the borough will reap the benefits our trees offer now and assist in conserving our tree stock for future generation. 2

6 The framework provided by our Tree Policy will allow us to execute short term planning, deal with day to day issues and implement long-term plans to establish the overall goals and objectives of the organisation. Main Aims: Where practicable or desirable conserve our existing tree stock for future generations in accordance with sound arboricultural practices Utilise risk assessment methods to form part of a systematic inspection regime, allowing us to measure safety issues and prioritise necessary works to alleviate high risk situations To create a diverse population of trees of mixed age and species and where possible utilise large scale canopy cover to mitigate the impact of climate change To plant more trees than are felled in an individual calendar year subject to budgetary constraints Current service provision In recent years we have allocated significant resources towards managing our tree stock. We have developed a GIS tree inventory system collecting data on a high percentage of the 15,000 trees under our management. Adopting a computer management system has allowed us to undertake systematic tree inspections, schedule and plan maintenance work, develop planting plans and plan for the removal of dead or dangerous trees. This approach has allowed us to work in an efficient manner and look to continually improve the service. We have looked to raise the profile of the service offered by our Tree Team through the development of this policy and by the information provided on our website. In addition we have looked to encourage community involvement through planting initiatives involving local stakeholders and from feedback provided by forums and review meetings. We have also recruited two qualified Arboriculturalists who are dedicated to dealing with day to day tree enquiries and undertaking scheduled surveys of our tree stock. Whenever possible we utilise our Landscaping Team to undertake tree surgery works. At the present time we are developing a service which places sustainability as a primary concern and reflects a Planned, Systematic and Integrated approach to tree management. Section 1.0 Tree inspections As a tree owner, Bracknell Forest Homes has a responsibility for the health and safety of people on or near to the land we own and have potential liabilities arising from the falling of a tree or branch. We recognise that under the Occupier s Liability Act (1984) we owe a duty of care Common Law to all people that might be injured by a tree. We will therefore take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions that 3

7 cause a reasonably foreseeable risk of injury to persons or property. We also understand that under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), we have responsibilities to ensure the safety and welfare of members of the public as well as staff. To ensure we meet our legal requirements we have introduced a Tree Operational Risk Management System for managing our trees. The basic principle of the scheme is that it forms a defendable system where inspections, actions, tree works, etc. are generated by potential risk. All details and actions are recorded so that they can be retrieved in the event of an enquiry. Hence the system not only manages risk effectively but also provides a clear audit trail and history. Trees under the Association s ownership are inspected on a one, three or five year basis. Inspection and re-inspection schedules are based on risk zone categories. The risk zoning system is defined by public safety issues such as roadway characteristics (i.e. major roadways, congested junctions, etc.) and extensively used public areas and buildings. Tree resource characteristics are also used as an exception for trees that are found to have a higher hazard potential than their risk zone suggests. Risk zones are defined as High (inspection annually), Medium (inspection every 3 years) and Low (inspection every 5 years). Based on the risk zone criteria, a colour-coded map of our land has been developed to show the designated area risk zone categories. The map is used to establish inspection schedules and in conjunction with the outcome of the inspection determine the date for reinspection. The level of inspection employed by the Tree Team can be categorised as the following: Informal: Essentially day-to-day observations of trees will be made by employees who have good local knowledge of trees and location and see them during the course of their daily work. The frequency of these inspections will be ongoing and will be employed for some tree related enquiries. Informal observations may also be applicable in instances where a tree has been previously inspected and is not due for a formal inspection. Informal inspections are seen as key to deciding what action may be needed and when a more formal assessment is required. Formal: Formal tree inspections will be conducted during specific site visits with the sole purpose of performing an inspection that is not incidental to other activities. The formal inspection will involve assessing individual trees utilising industry standard methodology i.e. visual tree assessment (VTA). This process will assist in identifying potential defects, specifying necessary remedial works and recording the inspection process. Formal inspections will be conducted on foot with the information recorded onto tree asset management software. The frequency of inspection is primarily predetermined by the tree s location but may be influenced by its condition. Formal inspections will be used as an important means of identifying when further action is needed, including immediate tree surgery or when there is a requirement for a detailed inspection. 4

8 Detailed: A detailed inspection will be conducted to evaluate the nature and extent of suspected defect. Depending on the location of the defect, this type of inspection will be undertaken by the Tree Team through the use of diagnostic tools and equipment. However, there may also be times when there is a requirement to utilise specialist services to undertake tasks such as aerial inspections or root excavation work using an air spade. Work generated from public enquiries and programmed inspections are prioritised according to urgency (see table below). Please note the table below does not provide information regarding timescales for out of hour enquiries. Response timescales are based on the priority level Work Category Emergency (Reactive inspection) Urgent Work (Reactive inspection) General Public Enquiry (Reactive inspection) Red (Planned inspection) Amber (Planned inspection) Green (Planned inspection) Detail Response to trees that are perceived as imminently dangerous. Response to trees that are perceived to be causing an actionable nuisance such as a branch coming into contact with a roof or low level branch interfering with foot traffic. Response to a general enquiry not deemed to be an emergency. Tree works identified from scheduled inspections, hazardous issues, not deemed an imminent threat. Typically work to abate or remove a potential nuisance. Good neighbour issues. Target Response & Work Completion Time Inspection within 4 hours and works undertaken within 24 hours (Please note target response time may be affected by standard working hours) Response within 3 working days by our Tree Team. If necessary inspection completed and a response provided within 5 working days. If required work completed with 10 working days. Responded to within 3 working days by a member of our Tree Team. If an inspection is deemed necessary it will be completed and a response provided to the enquirer within 15 working days. Works to be completed within weeks of inspection. Works completed within 6 months of inspection. Works completed within 12 months of inspection. 5

9 The Tree Team uses the results from systematic tree inspections to compile and update our tree inventory and subsequently plan works to trees based on a specified priority rating. All tree surgery works will reflect best practice pruning techniques highlighted within the British Standard 3998 (2010) Tree Work Recommendations. The type of work generated through systematic inspections will typically be undertaken for the following reasons: To mitigate a potential hazard, remove dead, dying or diseased tree or part of tree To respond to emergency situations, for example when trees suffer storm damage Compliance with Act of Parliament, for example to ensure branches and trees do not interfere with footpath or highway access (Highways Act, 1980) To ensure clearance around highway infrastructure, i.e. signs, traffic lights etc. To ensure satisfactory lines of vision are provided for pedestrian and vehicle traffic To alleviate an actionable (legal) nuisance, i.e. branches touching a building Tree surgery forms part of a cyclical pruning regime Occasionally for aesthetic reasons, example to re-balance crown of tree Section Dangerous tree An emergency is defined as a tree that is in immediate danger of collapse or a tree that is causing an obstruction and requires urgent attention. When an enquiry is made during normal working hours (between 08:30 and 17:00, Monday to Friday) Bracknell Forest Homes will ensure a Tree Surgeon contractor attends site within 24 hours to make the situation safe. This will however depend on the nature of the enquiry and there may be occasions when a shorter response time is applicable to abate a hazardous tree. If you identify a dangerous tree during normal working hours which you believe to be under Bracknell Forest Homes ownership please contact our Customer Experience Centre on or freephone Should a tree-related emergency occur outside of office hours that will not wait until Bracknell Forest Homes is next open, please call Forestcare on (freephone) or

10 Signs to look for which indicate a tree is in such a condition to warrant immediate action include: A tree which has snapped or fallen over A tree which is rocking, cracks in soil at tree base are present A tree that has uprooted but is supported by another structure, i.e. adjacent tree or building A large broken branch which has snapped and is hanging precariously in a public area A tree or branch which is blocking access Signs to look out for which may mean that a tree is a risk to people or property but the risk does not require an emergency response: Tree is dead Tree is dying (typical signs include few leaves in summer or dieback in crown) Bark is loose or falling off Mushroom or fungi growing on or near to tree Splits or cracks to trunk or branches Large opening (cavity) at base, upper trunk or branches of tree Small branch which has snapped off tree but is hung up in tree or adjacent tree 7

11 Initial Enquiry During normal working hours (between 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday) - once our Tree Team receives an enquiry we will be in contact the same day and confirm when an inspection will be undertaken. Please note in cases of an emergency a response will most likely be given within 1-2 hours. Out of hours - please call Forestcare on one of the following numbers (freephone) or for tree-related emergencies that will not wait until Bracknell Forest Homes is next open. Please note - this is strictly for emergencies only. Enquiry requiring site inspection Inspection and response timescale During normal working hours Bracknell Forest Homes will arrange for a dangerous tree to be inspected within 4 hours from point of initial enquiry. The inspection time may be shorter depending on the significance of the tree issue. Depending on the findings of the inspection a Tree Surgeon contractor will undertake works within a 24 hour period. In an emergency outside of office hours Forestcare will organise for a Tree Surgeon contractor to assess and undertake any necessary work. Typically inspections and responses to customers regarding what action is considered appropriate will be provided by our Tree Team within 15 working days of the initial point of contact. In cases of emergency works the response time will typically be far shorter. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Improvement Coordinator and if necessary the Head of Direct Services. In cases where it is deemed that tree work is required but is not prioritised as being an emergency it will typically be passed straight to a designated Arboricultural contractor for completion within weeks from point of inspection. The Tree Team will be responsible for ensuring compliance with any legislation or restrictions affecting trees under their management. Works could be delayed if the tree(s) is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area. In such instances an application to undertake tree work will need to be made to Bracknell Forest Council (BFC). From point of receiving an application BFC may take approximately 8 weeks to respond. There may also be circumstances where work has to be done at a certain time of year. Some tree species are more vulnerable to pruning for example when sap is rising or when in leaf. It may be necessary to avoid tree work at certain times to prevent disturbance to other vegetation or to wildlife, for example roosting bats or nesting birds. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number. 1) Tree Species or tree type (conifer or 2) Trees location in relation to a property address. 8

12 Section Tree adjacent to my property is damaging wall, paving, etc. Tree roots, stems and branches get thicker each year and over time as they increase in size they can disrupt or distort adjacent structures and surfaces. In such circumstances tree removal will be considered and alternative engineering solutions explored. The asset value of the tree will be considered against the cost of alternatives. Private home owners are advised to contact their buildings insurers in the first instance and ask them to investigate the damage and collect evidence to support a claim on their behalf. Alternatively, private home owners can complete a Bracknell Forest Homes compensation leaflet detailing why they believe we are liable, the cost of repairs and photographic evidence supporting their claim. In some instances we may also request the supply of background information and receipts for outlay of what is being claimed. Bracknell Forest Council is responsible for maintaining the public highway and that includes footpaths. Please contact the council directly if you identify an issues relating to tree roots causing trip hazards on public paths. The council inspects footpaths on a regular basis to ensure they are safe. Any safety defects identified are then included in a programme of repair. If you are a Bracknell Forest Homes tenant and the tree(s) in question is lifting paving on your property please contact our Customer Experience Centre on or freephone If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land. Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry requiring site inspection Enquiries will be Routine inspections and responses to customers responded to regarding what action is considered appropriate within 3 working will be provided by our Tree Team within 15 days by a working days from initial point of contact. member of our Emergency inspections will be undertaken within Tree Team. 24 hours. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree Species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. 9

13 Section 4.0 Tree roots adjacent to property blocking drains Bracknell Forest Homes will not prune the roots of one of our tree(s) to prevent access to a drain which is damaged. In addition we will not prune roots purely because they are growing in close proximity to a drain whether the drain is intact or broken. If you are concerned about the condition of your drains outside of your property then you are advised to contact your water and sewerage company. It is acknowledged the backfill of soil adjacent to drains provides a suitable environment for root growth and development. However, to tree roots there is no difference between a properly constructed water tight drain, stone or other obstruction in the soil. A root has no way of sensing or actively seeking water within a water tight drain. If there is a drain leak into the soil and a root encounters moisture, it will exploit the water and grow along a moisture gradient toward the source. As long as the leak continues, the roots will proliferate and persist within the drain. Quite often a mass of roots are produced adjacent to the leak which can lead to the mistaken belief that it was the roots development which damaged the drain in the first place. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you are a Bracknell Forest Homes tenant and believe the drainage system on your property is being affected by tree roots. Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. 10

14 Section Trees adjacent to property are causing subsidence if you are a Bracknell Forest Homes tenant and believe your property is suffering from subsidence due to the action of trees. If you are a private landowner and believe that your property is suffering subsidence damage or potential damage from a tree owned by Bracknell Forest Homes you are advised to contact your property insurer in the first instance. This will give your insurer the opportunity to further investigate your enquiry as part of any claim. If your insurer believes a tree owned by Bracknell Forest Homes is implicated in damage to your property they will typically contact us on your behalf. Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry requiring site inspection Enquiries will be Routine inspections and responses to customers responded to regarding what action is considered appropriate within 3 working will be provided by our Tree Team within 15 days by a working days from initial point of contact. member of our Emergency inspections will be undertaken within Tree Team. 24 hours. Private Landowners: A tree related subsidence claim will be acknowledged within 5 days. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Trees encroaching onto my land You may be able to alleviate the issue by exercising your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees. However the tree(s) causing the issue may be subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or within a Conservation Area (CA). If you believe the tree to be under our ownership please contact Bracknell Forest Homes in the first instance. We can then check to see if the tree belongs to us and if required ask Bracknell Forest Council to identify if the tree(s) is protected by a TPO or within a CA. Please be aware an application for tree works will need to be submitted to Bracknell Forest Council if the tree is protected by a TPO or in a CA. The council will then decide if the pruning works including any root pruning can proceed. There are certain legal/safety exemptions which allow pruning works to proceed without permission from the council. However due to the monetary fines associated with undertaking works to trees without consent it is advised to seek confirmation regarding a tree(s) TPO/CA status before commencing any works. 11

15 Exercising your Common Law right legally allows a land owner to consider removing those parts of the tree from the point where they cross the boundary of their property. You have no legal right to cut or remove any part of a tree that does not overhanging your land. If you are a private landowner you must not trespass onto our land whilst completing the works. Any branches or roots must not be cut back beyond our boundary. Common law states that any cuttings made should be offered back to the owner of the tree. However, if they do not want them you cannot just dump them over the fence into your neighbour's property. It is your responsibility to dispose of them properly. It is the responsibility of those undertaking the works to avoid damaging our property or carrying out work that would leave our tree unsafe or dangerous. In such instances we may have a case against you for criminal damage. Unless the tree works are minor (i.e. completed with hand secateurs or similar) it is strongly recommended you seek the advice of a competent Arboriculturalist if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree Species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Tree branch touching property If a branch from a tree under the responsibility of Bracknell Forest Homes is touching or close to a building (i.e. within 0.5m) we will take action to abate the nuisance if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of 12

16 Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry requiring site inspection Enquiries will be Routine inspections and responses to customers responded to regarding what action is considered appropriate within 3 working will be provided by our Tree Team within 5 days by a working days from initial point of contact. member of our Emergency inspections will be undertaken within Tree Team. 24 hours. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Tree work that has been agreed will typically be passed straight to a designated Arboricultural contractor. Typically if the work is deemed as being urgent it will be completed within 10 working days. Work deemed as being required but not regarded as being urgent will be completed within weeks from point of inspection. The Tree Team will be responsible for ensuring compliance with any legislation or restrictions affecting trees under their management. Works could be delayed if the tree(s) is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area. In such instances an application to undertake tree work will need to be made to Bracknell Forest Council (BFC). From point of receiving an application BFC may take approximately 8 weeks to respond. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree Species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. There may also be circumstances where work has to be done at a certain time of year. Some tree species are more vulnerable to pruning for example when sap is rising or when in leaf. It may also be necessary to avoid tree work at certain times to prevent disturbance to other vegetation or to wildlife, for example roosting bats or nesting birds. Section Tree overhanging footpath and/or highway To avoid the Highways Authority (Bracknell Forest Council) having to utilise discretionary powers given to them under section 154 of the Highways Act (1980) we will typically maintain our trees to provide a minimum 2.5 metres clearance over footpaths and 5.5 metres over the carriageway (i.e. street, road or highway). These clearance heights are approximate industry standards and assist in ensuring we prevent as far as possible the blocking of the highway. 13

17 if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry requiring site inspection Enquiries will be Routine inspections and responses to customers responded to regarding what action is considered appropriate within 3 working will be provided by our Tree Team within 5 days by a working days from initial point of contact. member of our Emergency inspections will be undertaken within Tree Team. 24 hours. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Tree work that has been agreed will typically be passed straight to a designated Arboricultural contractor. Typically if the work is deemed as being urgent it will be completed within 10 working days. Work deemed as being required but not regarded as being urgent will be completed within weeks from point of inspection. The Tree Team will be responsible for ensuring compliance with any legislation or restrictions affecting trees under their management. Works could be delayed if the tree(s) is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area. In such instances an application to undertake tree work will need to be made to Bracknell Forest Council (BFC). From point of receiving an application BFC may take approximately 8 weeks to respond. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. There may also be circumstances where work has to be done at a certain time of year. Some tree species are more vulnerable to pruning for example when sap is rising or when in leaf. It may be necessary to avoid tree work at certain times to prevent disturbance to other vegetation or to wildlife, for example roosting bats or nesting birds. 14

18 Section 9.0 -Trees obscuring street signs and street lighting columns If a tree(s) identified as causing an issue belongs to Bracknell Forest Homes we will take appropriate action to alleviate the problem. Typically pruning works will be of a minimum to abate the nuisance if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry requiring site inspection Enquiries will be Routine inspections and responses to customers responded to regarding what action is considered appropriate within 3 working will be provided by our Tree Team within 5 days by a working days from initial point of contact. member of our Emergency inspections will be undertaken within Tree Team. 24 hours. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Tree work that has been agreed will typically be passed straight to a designated Arboricultural contractor. Typically if the work is deemed as being urgent it will be completed within 10 working days. Work deemed as being required but not regarded as being urgent will be completed within weeks from point of inspection. The Tree Team will be responsible for ensuring compliance with any legislation or restrictions affecting trees under their management. Works could be delayed if the tree(s) is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area. In such instances an application to undertake tree work will need to be made to Bracknell Forest Council (BFC). From point of receiving an application BFC may take approximately 8 weeks to respond. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. There may also be circumstances where work has to be done at a certain time of year. Some tree species are more vulnerable to pruning for example when sap is rising or when in leaf. It may be necessary to avoid tree work at certain times to prevent disturbance to other vegetation or to wildlife, for example roosting bats or nesting birds. 15

19 Section 10.0 Trees touching telephone wires Bracknell Forest Homes will not typically prune or fell a tree under our ownership to remove or reduce interference with telephone wires if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Trees causing shade and blocking light into property/garden There is no legal height restriction in regards to how big a tree can grow. Bracknell Forest Homes only has a legal requirement to ensure our trees are as safe as practicable and are not causing an actionable (legal) nuisance. Therefore our approach is that we will not prune or fell a tree to improve natural light into a property or garden. If a customer requests such work for their personal reasons we will deal with such requests case by case and on a rechargeable basis. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of 16

20 Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of days by a contact. member of our Tree Team. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Trees affecting TV reception We will not prune or fell any Bracknell Forest Homes tree(s) interfering with a TV/ satellite reception. Your satellite or TV provider may be able to suggest an alternative solution to the problem, for example relocating the aerial/dish or identifying a means to boost the signal. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. 17 Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address.

21 Section Trees dropping fruit, berries, nuts cones, leaves, etc We will not prune or fell any Bracknell Forest Homes tree(s) which is dropping fruit, cones, leaves, etc. We consider this to be a natural process and something we cannot control. We appreciate that fruit can be used in anti social activities and may also cause slip/trip problems. However, anti social behaviour can often be dealt with by the Police and public footpaths and highways are cleaned by the local council. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Birds roosting in trees causing a mess We will not prune or fell any Bracknell Forest Homes tree(s) which is being used by birds to roost. Although bird droppings may be a nuisance we do not consider the issue to be of a significant level to warrant the pruning or removal of a tree. Unfortunately pruning a tree will not provide a solution because birds will simply roost on remaining branches. Nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and other related wildlife law). If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land. 18

22 if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Trees sap causing paths to become sticky We will not prune or fell any Bracknell Forest Homes tree(s) to remove or reduce honeydew or other sticky residue associated with trees. Honeydew is a sugary, sticky waste caused by greenfly (aphids) feeding on the sap from the leaves. There is little that can be done to remove the aphid which causes the problem. Pruning a tree will provide temporary relief but subsequent re-growth will typically result in the tree becoming colonised by aphids and the problem re-occurring. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of 19

23 Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Insect and wild animals causing a pest issue We will not prune or fell any Bracknell Forest Homes tree(s) to remove or reduce an insect or wild animal issue. Bracknell Forest Homes will not provide or arrange for services relating to pest control. Tenants who feel they have a pest problem should either contact Bracknell Forest Council Customer Services on who provide a chargeable service or a reputable pest control company. Once a pest problem has been dealt with Bracknell Forest Homes will undertake any necessary pest proofing works to a tenant s property to try and ensure the issue does not arise again. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of 20

24 Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Personal medical condition affected by trees We will not prune or fell any Bracknell Forest Homes tree(s) where a request has been made to do so because of a personal medical condition. Please note There is no case law to require tree owners to consider personal health impacts. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 15 working days from initial point of contact. working days by a member of Where a request for tree work is refused, there our Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. 21 Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address.

25 Section Tree linked to anti social behaviour issue Where a Bracknell Forest Homes tree is associated with criminal activity or antisocial behaviour, measures to reduce the problem will be considered on a site by site basis. It is accepted that trees can provide the opportunity for anti social behaviour to take place. However, just pruning or felling a tree is not always the answer to the problem. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be Routine inspections and responses to customers responded to regarding what action is considered appropriate within 3 working will be provided by our Tree Team within 15 days by a working days from initial point of contact. member of our Emergency inspections will be undertaken within Tree Team. 24 hours. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section 19.0 Vandalised trees and unauthorised pruning Generally we will look into any reports of vandalism and where possible replace destroyed trees with ones of a substantial size (3m-4m). We will also look to specify tree guard and stake infrastructure of a robust nature to try and ensure the trees establishment and long term survival. Please note We primarily plant trees for the benefit of the community. We will only replace a vandalised tree once. If a newly planted tree, planted to replace a vandalised tree is subject to vandalism we will not replace the tree (again). Except in the case of overhanging branches (see Section 6.0) any unauthorised works to trees owned by the Association carried out by any person would be treated 22

26 as criminal damage. We will take acts of malicious damage to trees seriously and seek prosecution where appropriate if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry requiring site inspection Enquiries will be Routine inspections and responses to customers responded to regarding what action is considered appropriate within 3 working will be provided by our Tree Team within 15 days by a working days from initial point of contact. member of our Emergency inspections will be undertaken within Tree Team. 24 hours. Where a request for tree work is refused, there is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Tree work that has been agreed will typically be passed straight to a designated Arboricultural contractor for completion within weeks from point of inspection. The Tree Team will be responsible for ensuring compliance with any legislation or restrictions affecting trees under their management. Works could be delayed if the tree(s) is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area. In such instances an application to undertake tree work will need to be made to Bracknell Forest Council (BFC). From point of receiving an application BFC may take approximately 8 weeks to respond. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. There may also be circumstances where work has to be done at a certain time of year. Some tree species are more vulnerable to pruning for example when sap is rising or when in leaf. It may be necessary to avoid tree work at certain times to prevent disturbance to other vegetation or to wildlife, for example roosting bats or nesting birds 23

27 Section Tree blocking view Bracknell Forest Homes will not prune or fell any of our trees to improve the view from a tenants or private landowners property. If you want to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees see Section 6.0 Trees are encroaching onto my land if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of Initial Enquiry Tree enquiry not requiring site inspection Enquiries will be The customer will be informed of Bracknell responded to Forest Homes policy by our Tree Team within within 3 working 15 working days from initial point of contact. days by a member of our Where a request for tree work is refused, there Tree Team. is a right to appeal to the DSO Service Head of Direct Services. Required Contact details name, address, telephone number and . Please Note: An contact is preferable. 1) Tree species or tree type (conifer or relation to a property address. Section Tree considered too big for location Bracknell Forest Homes will not fell or prune a tree under our ownership because it is considered to be 'too big' or 'too tall'. Just because a tree is large or because they are located within falling distance of a building does not necessarily make the tree dangerous. Trees in general do not collapse because of their height. It is usually because the trees is dead or dying or has a root or basal issue that is liable to predispose the tree to fail. To try and minimise such occurrences we inspect our trees on a periodic basis to identify any issues which may cause them to fail. The frequency and level of inspection is based on industry best practice and helps us to meet our legal obligation if you believe the tree(s) in question are under the ownership of 24