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Branches - Overhanging

Online Services

• branches overhanging a road or pavement
• branches overhanging a right of way

Pruning Guidance

As with all tree pruning, irrespective of who undertakes it, work must be completed to an acceptable standard. We will always require work to be carried out to British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work 3998: 1989.

Further information can be obtained from the European Arboricultural Council’s European Tree Pruning Guide and The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers (second edition) by George E. Brown. Any reputable contractor will be aware of and familiar with these publications and will be able to carry out work to the required standard.

Pruning Techniques

Branch Removal

When pruning branches back to the main stem:

• the branch should be reduced in small sections using the step cut method leaving a small stub before carrying out the final cut
• the final cut must be made just outside the branch collar

Branch Reduction

• When reducing the length of branches, the final cut must be made as close as possible to a suitable growth point to reduce the likelihood of decay or die-back.
• the branch should be reduced in small sections using the step cut method leaving a small stub before carrying out the final cut
• the final cut must be close to the remaining stem and opposite the branch bark ridge

Overhanging Branches

The pruning of overhanging branches to increase the clearance between the ground and the lower branches of the trees is allowed as follows:

• to a maximum of 4 metres above the ground level of the property only
• branches must be pruned back to a suitable growth point in the vertical plane directly above the line of the boundary.
• in cases where a suitable growth point is not available above the line of the boundary the branch may be pruned back to the next appropriate point
• in instances where branches would otherwise be left as a stump with no available live growth points or potential regrowth, it would be appropriate to remove it back to the branch collar

To let us know about over hanging branches on Poole's rights of way please use our report it facility.

Overgrown Hedges

Hedges overhanging adopted public roads or paths (including Public Rights of Way) should be reported to Transportation Services as the Highway Authority.

Overgrown hedges or other vegetation in public parks and public open spaces should be reported by e-mail to Leisure Services.

Branches Overhanging Structures

In cases where branches overhang buildings or structures, branches may be pruned to provide a maximum of 2 metres separation between the tree and the structure

Roots

Where roots from Council owned trees are lifting or damaging hard surfaces, it is not always necessary to carry out root pruning. In most case resurfacing of the affected area is sufficient. In extreme cases root pruning may be appropriate but this should be carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced contractor as removal of too many roots could lead to health and stability problems with the tree.

The Council does not advise on which roots should be pruned and advice should be sought from your arboricultural consultant or contractor before undertaking this type of work. They will also be able to carry out this type of work in accordance with current best practice.

As with other tree works, checks must be made to ascertain whether the tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or situated within a Conservation Area.

Contrary to popular belief, roots very rarely break drains in the search for water preferring to exploit old and already damaged pipes. The direct growth of tree roots is sometimes capable of lifting light structures such as paths, paving slabs or boundary walls, but is incapable of damaging house foundations. Trees may cause damage to structures by indirect action caused by shrinking or swelling of a clay as a result of changes in soil moisture content.

Consult an independent arboriculturalist or structural engineer for further information and advice on subsidence issues.

Damage to Property

In most cases where Council owned trees are causing damage to property you will need to make a claim to Financial Services giving as much information as is practicable. You may be asked to substantiate claim with an independent expert’s report.