Tree-Policy-2022.pdf

Tree Management Policy

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a
tree a long time ago
Warren Buffett
Contents

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………….............. 3
POLICY SCOPE ……………………………………………………………………………………….............. 3
LEGISLATION …………………………………………………………………………………………............. 4
TREES ON HELLESDON PARISH COUNCIL OWNED / MANAGED LAND........................ 4
INSPECTION OF TREES ……………………………………………………………………………............ 4
TREE MAINTENANCE …………………………………………………………………………….............. 5
PUBLICISING TREE FELLING / PRUNING …………………………………………………............. 6
DEALING WITH TREE CARE ……………………………………………………………………............. 7
Obstructing / Overhanging Tree Branches ……………………………………………............. 7
Shading and Loss of Light ……………………………………………………………………………...... 7
Loss of View ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Trees affecting reception (Television / Satellite / Solar Panels) ……………............. 8
Overhead Cables / Telephone Wires …………………………………………………................ 8
General / Minor Nuisances …………………………………………………………………………...... 8
Trees considered too big / too tall ………………………………………………………………...... 9
Personal Medical Complaint ………………………………………………………………………....... 9
DAMAGE AND TREE ROOTS ………………………………………………………………………........ 10
Damage to walls and fences ………………………………………………………………………....... 10
Damage to paths ………………………………………………………………………………..……......... 10
Damage to drains or water pipes ………………………………………………………………........ 10
Trip Hazards ……………………………………………………………………………………..………........ 11
Subsidence ……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 11
Heave …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 11
Trees in Conservation Areas ………………………………………………………………………....... 12
Birds ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….... 12
Bats ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....... 12
Restrictive Covenants …………………………………………………………………….……………..... 12
Vandalism ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Biodiversity …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Tree Pruning Techniques …………………………………………………………………………………. 14
Crown lifting ………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 14
Crown thinning …………………………………………………………………………………………........ 14
Crown Reduction .................................................................................................. 14
Topping ............................................................................................................….. 15
Pollarding ………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 15
Dead Wooding or Crown Clean ............................................................................ 15
Formative Pruning ................................................................................................ 15
Stump Grinding ……………………………………………………………………………………………..... 15

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 2 of 15

INTRODUCTION

Hellesdon Parish Council has adopted parts of Norfolk County Council’s Tree Management
Policy which are relevant in order to maintain a consistent approach to tree management in
the Parish of Hellesdon.

Trees are a highly-valued feature of the landscape of Hellesdon; they make an enormous
contribution to the character and beauty of our Parish and create /maintain environments
rich in biodiversity. Hellesdon Parish Council values its trees and recognises both the human
and environmental benefits of having a healthy and sustainable tree population.

We also recognise that although trees are a positive feature, they can be the cause of a
range of problems, from being a nuisance or inconvenience to potentially causing serious
injury or even death. As a tree owner, we have a direct responsibility for ensuring our trees
do not pose a danger to the public or property and are managed appropriately. This policy
sets out our approach to tree management.

We aim to inspect our tree stock at an appropriate frequency, depending upon number of
pedestrians, vehicles and other targets either passing beneath or within falling distance of
the tree, to ensure continued public safety. Following inspection, the trees will be assigned a
risk classification which will inform their prioritisation for maintenance works.

POLICY SCOPE

This policy applies to all trees under Hellesdon Parish Council ownership / management,
regardless of their location, this policy links in to Hellesdon Parish Councils Neighbourhood
plan: Policy 1- Green Grid, it is Hellesdon Parish Councils policy to look to expand the
trees in Hellesdon where possible. The Parish Council know and understand the benefit
of trees and hedgerows offering additional wildlife benefits of continuous cover instead of
isolated pockets.

Although, we believe this policy to be as comprehensive as possible, we acknowledge it
does not cover every situation. We reserve the right to exercise discretion in application of
this policy when to do so would be in the best interests of the Council and its residents.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREES IN THE URBAN AND RURAL LANDSCAPE
Trees are important features in the landscape. They help to create an attractive
environment, making the town a better place to live, work, study and visit. They bring colour
and contrast, screen unsightly structures, give privacy and soften the hard lines of streets
and landscapes. Not only do trees have a visual quality, but they also enhance the
environment in less obvious ways:

   •   they improve air quality by filtering airborne dust, smoke and fumes;
   •   they absorb traffic noise in built-up areas and can help limit noise pollution;
   •   they reduce temperature extremes by providing shelter in hot weather and
       insulation in cold weather; trees adjacent to buildings can reduce air conditioning
       and heating costs;
Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025                                                       Page 3 of 15
   •   they act as a screen, increasing privacy in residential roads and gardens;
   •   they convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, increasing the quality of the air locally and
       helping to reduce the ‘greenhouse effect’;
   •   they provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife, thus supporting nature
       conservation value and biodiversity;
   •   research has shown that trees provide many psychological and health benefits and
       have been shown to reduce stress significantly.

LEGISLATION

There is a range of legislation which has been considered during the development of this
policy, for example:

The Parish Council recognizes that Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), in respect of trees or
woodland, which is considered to have a significant impact on the amenity of a local area.

In addition to those trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order, the Town & Country
Planning Act (1990) also makes special provision for trees in conservation areas.

The Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981, as amended CROW Act 2000) states that it is illegal to
intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird while that nest is in use
or being built.

Bats are a European Protected Species and are protected by the Conservation of Habitats
and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
Causing damage to a roosting / nesting site is a criminal offence which can lead to
imprisonment.

The Hedgerow Regulations (1997) introduced powers allowing important rural native
hedgerows to be protected.

TREES ON HELLESDON PARISH COUNCIL OWNED / MANAGED LAND
We have a responsibility to maintain trees within our ownership/management to ensure
they are in a safe condition and not causing an unreasonable danger or actionable nuisance.
All enquiries regarding trees on Hellesdon Parish Council land should be directed to the
Council on 01603 301751 or clerk@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk.

INSPECTION OF TREES

We work to a risk-based approach to tree management: a programme of inspection
identifying and prioritising potential hazards. The cycle of inspection for trees will be set
according to their location and area of risk.

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 4 of 15

TREE MAINTENANCE

Tree maintenance is currently mostly ‘reactive’ in nature and conducted in response to
reports received by the council concerning specific trees. In future, a greater level of tree
maintenance work will be conducted as a result of information gathered during pro-active
tree inspections. However, reactionary tree maintenance will always form a key element of
overall tree maintenance operations and normally originates from the following:

    •   programmed and routine inspections by a qualified tree inspector/consultant.
    •   ad-hoc inspections by a member of Parish Council staff following enquiries, reports and
        service requests;
    •   reports from Residents;
    •   enquires from Parish Councillors;
    •   reports from utility companies;
    •   cyclic maintenance;
    •   emergency works (e.g. resulting from high winds)

The following categories will be used when prioritising tree works

Priority                                            Response
                                                    From within 24 hours to one week
Priority 1: Urgent Public Safety                    depending upon the risk
                                                    Between 1 to 6 months depending upon risk
Priority 2: Non-urgent but essential work
                                                    and time of year
Priority 3: Desirable                               12 months where possible

Non-priority No action proposed

A tree could warrant immediate attention if, for example:
• it has snapped or blown over;
• it is rocking (roots are damaged)
• it is uprooted but held up by another tree or building;
• a large branch has broken off or is hanging off the tree;
• it or its branch is blocking the road or footpath;
• it or its branch is blocking access to property;
• it has fallen on to a structure, such as a building or car.

A tree may be a risk to people or property but does not require immediate attention if: for
example
• it is dying (few leaves in summer or dieback in the crown);
• its bark is loose and falling off;
• mushrooms or fungi are growing on or near the tree;

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 5 of 15
 • old splits and cracks are in the trunk or large branches;
• smaller branches or twigs are falling from the tree.
Trees will be made safe via pruning or felling and we would use the most cost effective
approach. However, for certain High Value trees we would consider other options to reduce
the risk to an acceptable level. This would include options to reduce the likelihood of the tree
failing or the likelihood of persons being close to the tree if it did fail.

PUBLICISING TREE FELLING/PRUNING

Where works are minor such as pruning (including repeat cyclical pruning of trees) or involve
removing trees that are less than 15 cm diameter (6 inches) at a height of 1.3 meters (just
over 4 foot), we will not publicise the works.

Where works are more impacting, for example, felling larger trees, carrying out works to a
veteran tree or a tree with a Tree Protection Order (TPO), we will erect an informative site
notice on or very close to the affected tree. If more than one tree at the same location are
affected it may be more appropriate to erect a site notice including a map / schedule. We
will also tell houses opposite and either side by letter (if applicable). We will also publicise
the proposed work through social media
If a tree scheme (felling, pruning or planting) is judged to be more impacting on the local
area we will consider more publicity as appropriate.
Where a competent officer has determined that the tree should be felled on public safety
grounds there will be no public consultation and no right of objection.

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 6 of 15

DEALING WITH TREE CARE

Works are sometimes necessary to ensure that trees are in a safe and healthy condition. We
receive many requests and complaints regarding trees. It is important that individual issues
are dealt with consistently and that decisions are balanced against the positive contribution
that trees make to the environment and enjoyment of the parish by local residents and
visitors. Many of the complaints received involve minor or seasonal issues that are
generally considered to be foreseeable or social problems associated with living near trees,
which can often be minimised through careful pruning and careful species selection when
planting.

In all cases, consideration will be given as to whether the tree in question meets the
necessary criteria forprotection.

To ensure that requests for works to trees are dealt with efficiently, consistently and fairly,
our policy in relation to the more common types of request is outlined below.

Obstructing/Overhanging Tree Branches
Tree branches can cause obstructions to public footpaths, roadways/signs, streetlights and
open spaces. Appropriate pruning to eliminate hazards caused by obstructive branches will
normally be acceptable, providing efforts are made to retain the shape of the tree.

We will undertake work to trees in Council ownership/management to maintain a
minimum 5 meters clearance over roads and 2.4 meters over formal footpaths.

We will not prune trees that overhang neighbouring properties unless the trees are
dangerous or causing an actionable nuisance (i.e. touching the walls, roofs, windows,
gutters, garage etc.). This will ensure that damage to property such as aerials, tiles or
gutters is avoided.
Adjacent Landowners do have a common law right to prune back tree branches to their
boundary, providing that this would not lead to tree death and providing that the tree in
question is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or situated within a
Conservation Area.

Shading and Loss of Light
Trees are often perceived to block light to nearby properties. However, pruning or removal
of trees will often have a negligible impact on the amount of light reaching a house or
garden. Therefore, tree works to improve light levels will not normally be considered.
However, we will consider taking action (pruning or felling) in the following circumstances:

• if the height of the tree is more than 12metres and the distance between the
base of the tree and the window of the nearest habitable room is less than 5
metres;

• if the height of the tree is less than 12 metres and the distance between the base
of the tree and the window of the nearest habitable room is less than half the
height of the tree (where the separation between the edge of the tree canopy
and a vertical line through that window is less than 2 metres).

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 7 of 15
A 'habitable room’ is a dining room, lounge, kitchen, study or bedroom but not a WC,
bathrooms, utility room, landing or hallway.

Where elderly, infirm or disabled persons who spend a significant amount of time within
their home are affected by loss of light, or it can be established that the presence of trees is
detrimental to the health of such residents, further consideration will be given to the
management approach to trees. This consideration will also take into account the quality
and importance of the tree in question, as well as the benefits to the wider community.

Loss of View
Trees will only be pruned or removed to restore views when necessary to retain important
public viewpoints or there is potential to bring about significant public benefit and/or
enhance the local landscape or townscape. Historical records may be used to determine the
level of management required. Pruning of trees for highway sight-line requirements will be
dealt with on a case by case basis.

Tress affecting reception (Television/Satellite/Solar Panels)
Pruning in the short term may help improve television reception. However, in the long term
the flush of quick, extra growth associated with pruning can exacerbate the problem. In
most cases the problem can be resolved by relocating the aerial or satellite dish, or
alternatively using a booster. Residents are advised to contact their satellite or TV provider
for specialist advice. Removal or pruning of trees to enable a clear television reception
would only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Similarly, we will not prune or fell a tree in our ownership/management to improve natural
light to a solar panel. Whilst we recognise the need for renewable energy sources, trees are
also important in tackling climate change.

Overhead Cables / Telephone Wires
Utility companies have certain legal rights to carry out works to public or privately owned trees to
address health and safety problems and to maintain a clearance between trees and their
apparatus to ensure continuity of supply. This may sometimes involve the loss of trees. Where
works to trees are necessary as a result of proximity or conflict, we will encourage utility operators
to adopt the most appropriate long term solution, giving consideration to tree health, local tree
cover and visual amenity.
Problems caused by branches interfering with privately owned telephone wires can usually
be eliminated through appropriate pruning and tree removal would not usually be
considered.

We will not prune or fell a tree in our ownership/management to prevent or reduce
interference with telephone wires. We would recommend contacting the telephone service
provider in such circumstances.

General/Minor Nuisances
We will not fell or prune trees solely to alleviate problems caused by natural and/or
seasonal phenomena, which are largely outside of our control. There are a variety of
potential nuisances associated with trees, most of which are minor or seasonal and
Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 8 of 15
considered to be normal and acceptable consequences of living near trees. Examples of
such problems are:
• falling leaves, sap, blossom, fruit, nuts, bird and insect droppings;
• insects associated with trees (spiders, wasps, flies etc.);
• reduction or increase of moisture to gardens;
• suckers or germinating seedlings in gardens;
• leaves falling into gutters, drains or onto flat roofs;
• the build-up of algae on fences, paths or other structures.

Clearing of leaves from gutters and pathways and weeding of set seeds are considered to be
normal routine seasonal maintenance which property owners are expected to carry out.
Falling leaves, sap, blossom, fruit, nuts, bird and insect droppings are not readily
controllable by pruning and cleaning of affected surfaces can be considered to be routine
maintenance. Pruning will not normally be considered solely as a way of alleviating
problems with these issues alone.

We would not normally prune or fell a tree under our ownership/management that bears
poisonous fruit/foliage (such as laburnum or yew).
However, where it is known that unsupervised young children are likely to be exposed to
berries or foliage that will make them ill if eaten, we will investigate and take action, where
appropriate.

Trees considered too big/too tall
We will not prune or fell a tree under council ownership/management because it is
considered to be 'too big’ or ‘too tall' for its surroundings.

Personal Medical Complaint
We will normally not prune or fell a tree under our ownership/management where a
request has been made to do so because of a personal medical complaint. However, where
it can be established that the presence of a tree is causing a detriment to the health of
residents further consideration will be given to the management approach of trees.

DAMAGE AND TREE ROOTS

Many tree conflicts arise because of the presence of tree roots and the perception that they
are causing damage. Where damage is alleged, each complaint will be investigated on an
individual basis. The following guidance will be used in assessing levels of nuisance and
identifying appropriate action.

Root invasion in gardens
Tree roots in gardens are a natural occurrence and root presence is unlikely to be affected
by tree pruning or removal. Landowners do have a common law right to prune back tree
roots to their boundary, providing that this would not lead to tree death and providing that
the tree in question is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or situated within a
Conservation Area.
Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 9 of 15
Most species of deciduous tree will re-sprout from the stump when cut down. Many species
will produce a new growth shoot from a root if it becomes exposed to sunlight through
ground erosion. Some species readily produce shoots from their buried roots as a way to
regenerate and this is often stimulated by stresses, such as heavy pruning or felling.
Numerous tree species (including Cherry and Poplar) are therefore likely to produce
vigorous root suckers as a response to being felled. Poisoning a stump to prevent such
suckering is not always successful since application of herbicide onto a stump face often
only affects the stump and the upper roots.

Tree felling or branch pruning in response to root invasion in gardens would not normally be
appropriate, as such works are likely to worsen existing problems. The pure encroachment
of roots into adjoining land is not considered to amount to actionable nuisance.

Damage to walls and fences
It is often possible to rebuild or repair garden walls and fences to take account of adjacent
trees. This can be achieved in a number of ways (for example installing a section of railing or
bridging foundations around the base of a tree). Therefore, where trees are considered to
be causing damage to walls or fences, we will only consider tree removal if the walls or
fence is irreplaceable and of exceptional importance e.g. a retaining wall or of historical
interest, or if there is a risk to public health in leaving the tree which cannot otherwise be
mitigated. If a damaged wall or fence was constructed after planting of the tree, it may
mean that the design or construction has failed to take the presence of nearby trees into
account.

Damage to paths
It is often possible to repair paths to take account of adjacent trees and tree roots. Where
roots protrude, they can be root pruned, or the path relayed around the tree with flexible
materials such as asphalt to provide a smooth surface. Where trees are considered to be
causing damage to paths or footpaths, we will not normally consider tree removal except
where there is a risk to public health which cannot otherwise be mitigated.

Damage to drains or water pipes
There is no evidence to suggest that the tree roots can actively penetrate an intact pipe or
drain, but they can find their way into drains by any existing fault and increase damage. In
these situations, the owner of the drain should seek to get the drain repaired at their own
expense. Tree removal will not normally be considered.

Trip Hazards
We will make safe an unacceptable trip hazard in a street, road or highway which is caused
by a tree in our ownership/management.

Subsidence
While we recognise our responsibilities for the trees in our ownership/ management, we
will expect any claim against our own trees to be supported by sufficient evidence to show
that the tree in question is a contributory factor in the subsidence. Where this evidence is
Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 10 of 15
provided, we will obtain expert specialist advice to verify submitted evidence as necessary.
We will therefore require the following information in order to consider a claim associated
with tree related subsidence:

     •   description of type of damage;
     •   indication of seasonal movement;
     •   levels and distortion survey;
     •   visual evidence of damage;
     •   depth of foundations demonstrated from excavated trial holes;
     •   analysis of soil type under foundation;
     •   presence and identification of trees roots.

We will not normally subject our trees to regular heavy pruning to deal with suspected
damage. Instead we will where feasible opt for removal and replacement planting with an
alternative species that is less likely to cause future problems.

Heave
When a tree is removed in a clay sub-soil, the soil will rehydrate and swell in volume.
The expansion may lift the foundations and cause cracking to the property. This is known
as 'heave'. This is more likely to occur if the removed tree was mature and had a high-
water demand such as an oak tree. No liability, at present, falls upon a local authority for
damage due to heave resulting from tree removal where this is requested by the third
party.

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 11 of 15

PROTECTED TREES

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's)
A TPO is a legal document made, administered and enforced by the local planning
authority, to protect specified trees and woodlands with public amenity value.

A TPO prevents cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or destruction of
trees (including cutting roots) without permission.

The Parish Council recognises its responsibilities in regard to its trees that are protected by
TPOs.

Trees in Conservation Areas
It is an offence to cut down, prune, lop, top, uproot or wilfully damage or destroy a tree in a
conservation area without getting prior written permission from Broadland District Council.

The Town Council recognizes its obligations when undertaking works to trees in
conservation areas.

OTHER FACTORS CONSTRAINING WORK TO TREES

Birds
Under the Wildlife & Conservation Act 1981 (as amended) it is an offence to kill, injure or
take wild birds, their young, their eggs or nests. Non-urgent major tree work involving tree
removal/reduction and hedge cutting operations should not normally be undertaken during
bird nesting/breeding season, which is considered to be from February until August (Natural
England).

Bats
Bats are a European Protected Species and are protected by the Conservation of Habitats
and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Causing
damage to a roosting/ nesting site is a criminal offence which can lead to imprisonment. Trees
displaying signs of roosting bats will be referred to an Ecologist before any work commences.
Any trees supporting roosting bats will not be worked on until Natural England is consulted.

Restrictive Covenants
Occasionally, restrictive covenants attached to the deeds for a property may restrict what
work can be undertaken to trees.

VANDALISM AND DAMAGE TO COUNCIL OWNED/MANAGED TREES
Vandalism is an increasing pressure on trees. Usually it is young newly planted trees that are
damaged; however, mature trees are often damaged too. There are various ways in which
vandalism can be counteracted, but none of these is 100% effective against determined
attack.

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 12 of 15
The main methods of deterring vandals are to plant large numbers of very young trees,
known as whips, or to plant larger robust trees depending on the site. Another method is
to put guards or fencing around trees, but these have to be large enough and strong
enough to offer real protection.

This latter approach tends to be the most expensive method and only appropriate in very
high profile positions. In the long run, increasing environmental awareness within schools
and communities should help reduce vandalism. There are cases where trees we own/
manage have been irrevocably damaged or removed without permission. We will
investigate any reports of vandalism/damage to trees in our ownership/management, and
try to repair any damage where we can.
Where possible, we will take legal action against the person(s) causing the damage.

BIOSECURITY / PEST & EPIDEMIC MANAGEMENT
Biosecurity is a set of precautions that aim to prevent the spread of pests, pathogens or
invasive species. The threat to trees from these has never been greater and as a large
landowner we undertake to follow best practice and specific advice which is regularly
published by the Forestry Commission.

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 13 of 15

TREE PRUNING TECHNIQUES

We will seek to ensure that tree works are carried out to the highest standards. In carrying
out tree works, we and any third party working on trees over which we have a
responsibility, will ensure that pruning conserves the overall amenity value, form and shape
of the tree and all tree works must be carried out in accordance with British Standard 3998
— Recommendations for Tree Work. Particular pruning specifications may or may not be
appropriate for trees of different ages, species, health and condition, or even between trees
of the same species depending on their condition, age and environment. Clear and
acceptable pruning objectives are necessary in advance of approval of a pruning
specification. The pruning objectives may require implementation of one or more of the
following operations:

Crown lifting
The removal of the lowest branches of a tree so that
the remaining lowest branches are at a specified
height, usually 2.4m over a footpath and 5m over a
road. This operation is undertaken for a number of
reasons, such as to allow access under a tree; to clear
branches from low structures; or to allow light under
the canopy.

Crown thinning
The removal of a specified proportion of branch
material from the interior of the crown without
affecting the shape of the tree. This operation is
usually undertaken to reduce crown density;
form a healthy branch structure by removing
dead; diseased, damaged, crossing and rubbing
branches, and allow more light through the
canopy. Many tree species evolve a canopy density for adaptive reasons and crown-thinning
can increase turbulence and cause drought stress and branch failures. For this reason,
crown thinning is usually only acceptable when carried out as part of crown cleaning or
balancing works.

Crown Reduction
Reducing the overall size of the crown area by
a specified percentage by pruning back the
leaders and branch terminals to lateral
branches that are large enough to assume the
terminal roles (at least one third the diameter
of the cut stem). Crown reduction up to a
maximum of 15-20% may be acceptable to
semi-mature trees providing cuts do not exceed 5-7cm and where shaping and restricting
Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 14 of 15
size and spread is essential. Crown reduction of mature or older trees is not normally
acceptable as it can severely affect tree health and may lead to the death or decline of the
tree and is generally only acceptable as management of last resort.

Topping
This entails cutting at a certain height to reduce the height
of the tree. Topping is not acceptable as it severely affects
the public amenity and health of the tree, sometimes
leading to death. Topping can also lead to future
problems due to a flush of weak re-growth that can
represent a danger and also exacerbate existing problems.
If height reduction is considered essential and
unavoidable, crown reduction (see above) is preferred.

Pollarding
This severe operation entails the removal of the
entire tree's branch structure back to the trunk.
Pollarding is an ancient way of maintaining trees
that is sometimes necessary, particularly on
trees that have been pollarded previously. Only
certain species will tolerate this degree of
pruning, and new growth may be weak and
prone to tearing off. This method of
management is not therefore normally
acceptable.

Dead Wooding or Crown Clean
This operation is similar to a crown thin except that only dead, diseased, crossing and
rubbing branches are removed to tidy up the appearance of the tree. No healthy, sound
wood is removed. This operation is recommended to help maintain a healthy, safe tree.

Formative Pruning
The removal of problematic or potentially problematic branches, ensuring good tree
development.

Stump Grinding
Stump Grinding is the practice of removing a tree stump to below ground level by
mechanical means. We will carry out stump grinding where necessary to enable new trees
to be planted or to remove a significant hazard. Where stump removal is not necessary tree
stumps will be removed close to ground level so as not to leave a trip hazard

Hellesdon Parish Council Tree Policy
Reviewed August 2022 (Playing Field, Allotments and Amenities Committee)
To be Reviewed – August 2025 Page 15 of 15