Trees near roads
Trees near roads causing a potential danger
Roadside trees are the property of the owner of adjacent land, even if the tree is in within the road boundary, i.e the roadside verge. Maintenance of such a tree is the responsibility of its owner.
Overhanging Branches
If a hedge, tree or shrub overhangs a road and
- endangers the passage of vehicles or pedestrians
- obstructs the road users' view of the road, or a traffic sign, or the light from a street light
- increases the likelihood of obstruction of the road by drifting snow
the Council may serve a notice on its owner or on the occupier of the land on which it is growing, requiring him or her to carry out such work necessary to remove the cause of danger within 28 days from the date of service of the notice.
Potentially Dangerous Trees
Where it appears to the Council that a hedge, tree or shrub, on or near a road is in such condition that it, or part of it, is likely to cause danger by falling on the road, it may, by notice served either on the owner or on the occupier of the land, require him or her or to carry out such work necessary to remove the cause of danger within 28 days from the date of service of the notice. However, if in the Council’s opinion, the danger referred to is imminent it may dispense with the service of the notice, and carry out the work itself, and/or take such other steps to safeguard road users, recovering the expenses reasonably incurred in so doing from the owner or occupier.
The Council may make such contribution as they think fit towards any expenses reasonably incurred by a person in carrying out necessary work.
Please contact your local area roads office if you have enquiry or concern about trees near the road.
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