Trees on the highway

Wirral Council is committed to the retention of its Highway tree stock and will only remove trees for safety related issues following advice and consultation with qualified Arborists.

Trees make a major contribution to the amenity value of an area and have a significant environmental value together with a positive influence on property prices.

They help provide us with cleaner, filtered air, shade in the summer and warmth in the winter.

All work undertaken on Highway trees is by qualified Arborists appointed through Wirral Council’s Streetscene Arboricultural Contract.

We ensure public safety by undertaking safety inspections of all Highway trees on a cyclical basis using qualified Arborists. Any identified concerns are prioritised and programmed for attention. Intermediate ad-hoc inspections are also undertaken by Highway Inspectors as part of continuous Highway inspections.

The present appointed Arboricultural Contractor is Amenity Tree Care Limited.

Work we undertake

• Safety survey of Highway trees on a cyclical basis

• Intermediate ad hoc inspections of Highway trees

• Remove actionable nuisances such as tree canopy touching building

• Statutory obligations

We also remove:-

• Dead, dying and dangerous Highway trees

• Dangerous and damaged limbs

• Limbs which are obstructing Highway signs, traffic lights, lamp columns etc

• Limbs which are known to be damaging phone lines. Overall responsibility for the maintenance of phone lines is with the service provider.

Work we have no obligation to undertake

• Cut back branches overhanging private property

• Top trees or remove branches to increase daylight etc or decrease height in relation to property

• Remove roots from drains or repair root damage to structures where the tree has not been clearly demonstrated to be the principal cause.

• Remove branches or trees to prevent potential/unproven root damage to structures

• Remove branches in proximity to structures like buildings, walls, roofs fences etc

• Remove branches or trees to prevent access for squirrels, birds etc

• Remove branches or trees affecting views or interference with TV reception

• Remove branches or trees to prevent falling honeydew (sap), leaves, fruit etc

• Remove branches or trees to prevent contact with telephone wires