Landowners and managers urged to be vigilant for tree risks

Fallen Cedar Tree on the A6 (Credit: DCC)

Landowners and managers across Derbyshire are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to be vigilant and check for signs that their trees could be declining or unstable, putting them at risk of falling and causing danger to people or property.

The warning comes after a huge mature cedar tree fell onto the A6 road between Matlock and Cromford last week.

Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, said: “We wanted to take this opportunity to remind private landowners of their responsibility to monitor the condition of trees on their land.

“Thankfully no one was injured when the tree fell on the A6 last week, but it caused damage to other trees in the surrounding area and caused major disruption due to the road being closed for several hours while it was cleared and made safe.”

“If a tree were to injure someone or cause damage to property then the landowner would be liable.

“If we’re aware of trees on private property causing a risk to public safety on a road or public path, we’ll try to liaise with the landowner, ask them to remove them, and if action isn’t taken, we may remove them ourselves and seek to reclaim the cost from the landowner under the council’s statutory powers.

“Taking steps themselves early on not only reduces the risk but means they’re in control of their own costs too.”

Councillor Wood added: “Landowners who suspect trees on their property might be causing a safety risk should consult a tree professional and beware of rogue traders.

Reputable tree surgeons can be found through the county council’s Trusted Trader scheme. Look them up at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader or check out the Arboricultural Association approved list of contractors at www.trees.org.uk and get several quotes.”

Recent storms and high winds have also resulted in a number of diseased ash trees falling onto the county’s roads in recent months.

The county council has accelerated its programme to cut down trees affected by ash dieback disease which kills ash trees by making them brittle and unstable and at risk of falling down.

Ash is currently the second most common tree found in Derbyshire and the county council has a robust plan in place to tackle the disease on council property.

For more information on ash dieback management visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ashdieback

Anyone who spots a tree while out and about and is concerned about its safety can report it at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ashdieback or via email ashdieback @ derbyshire.gov.uk – especially those that are adjacent to highways, on public rights of way or in high traffic areas of parks.