The Grounds Maintenance Section has a programme of cutting, pruning and conservation to maintain its trees, hedges and other aspects of the natural landscape including roadside verges.
Tree Preservation
Within the West Dunbartonshire area, there are 46 individual trees and 476 hectares of woodland, which are the subject of Tree Preservation Orders. Conservation areas are also subject to block tree preservation orders. Tree preservation orders are administered by the Councils Development and Environmental Services department, who can be contacted by telephone on 01389 737507.Tree preservation orders prohibit the felling of trees other than in exceptional circumstances such as public safety. Hedges are also protected under Government regulations and the Council will act to enforce these orders and regulations when necessary.
Hedge and Tree Pruning
We will cut hedges at least once a year, unless the hedge calls for a natural appearance. Trees will be examined regularly and maintenance work will be carried out as required.
Verge Cutting
How often we cut the verges depends on the location.
Highway Trees
It is the Council's responsibility to manage and maintain the Council's trees in a sustainable way whilst minimising the health and safety risk to the public. Trees that border the edges of a highway could be privately owned and we cannot take direct action without first contacting the owner. If a tree or hedge is restricting access along a highway, the Council has powers under the Highways Act to enforce the owner to resolve the problem. If they do not we may, with proper notification, carry out the work and charge the owner.
Trees on Private Land
Trees that are on the boundary between two properties are a private matter between the two property owners. Where one or more of the properties are Council-owned Housing and Property Services should be contacted.
Trees within Council House Boundaries
If the person is elderly or disabled, the Council can undertake the maintenance of trees and shrubs that are contained within the Council house boundary For example, if an overhanging branch is restricting the use of a footpath or an area of property. The person must require assistance on medical grounds and there must be on one within the household who is able to assist before the Council can undertake this type of work.
Unsafe Trees
If you consider a tree is dangerous or has a serious defect you should report this to us so that the tree can be surveyed to ascertain the appropriate action. If a tree is removed, it is our policy to replace it with at least one other tree suitable to its location. It is not the Council's policy to remove healthy trees unless there are exceptional circumstances for example, if it is proved that the tree is causing subsidence damage.
Fallen Trees
Where a tree, or part of one, has fallen across the highway, the caller can be asked whether they consider that they could move it to one side, without endangering themselves. If they cannot, or if this would not remove the danger, the matter will be treated as an emergency if it appears reasonable to believe that it is causing a danger to users of the highway.
