10 November 2009, 09/266
T
ree doctors out in force
Tree works are now underway to help keep West Lancashire clean,
safe and green.
Arboriculture workers from West Lancashire Borough Council’s
Street Scene Division are out in force carrying out essential tree
maintenance, which includes pruning, thinning or felling.
This important work is vital to the nourishment of the borough’s
greenery helping to keep the area tidy and safe. For example, hot
spot areas are targeted, especially where there is CCTV or street
lighting so that the areas are more visible and are not enclosed by
trees. This is turn increases public safety and is a reassurance.
Footpaths are more easily accessible which also helps with other
jobs, such as grass cutting.
The work is carried when the trees are dormant in the colder
months although residents can contact the Council throughout the
year to ask for Council-owned trees to be inspected and put on the
list for action.
The Council will assess every single one and prioritise using
the four ‘D’s’ - dead, dangerous, deceased or dying. These
categories are used to identify how urgently they need to be
operated on.
The tree brash is chipped then recycled in various ways. Some of
it stays on site to improve natural habitat, some is given to
allotment holders and also to the Council’s Countryside Rangers to
help with environmental and conservation works.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, said:
"Due to the possible dangerous condition of some trees on
public land within the borough - including large broken branches or
rot - it is important that we carry out our tree maintenance
programme where suspected trees will be assessed and the
appropriate necessary action taken. It is an essential
element of our work in keeping the area clean, green and safe.
Whilst we have to prioritise, our qualified tree surgeons always
carry out as much of the work as possible within the timescale. If
we aren’t able to do the work, it will go on the list for the next
programme of maintenance.
"We would also urge all private householders to be aware of the
dangers that might be lurking in their trees especially if they
overhang the highway. A diseased tree, where the tree or branches
fall onto a highway, can potentially cause danger to people and
property and if loss is caused it may not be covered by insurance
if a householder has not taken reasonable steps to look after trees
on their land."
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