Page 46 - Council Journal Winter 2019

FEATURE Benefits of Tree Retention, Protection and Legislation
Benefits of Tree Retention,
Protection and Legislation
A look at the regulations and process surrounding the protection of treescapes and related landscapes. By Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, Clare County Council and Declan Little, Woodlands of Ireland.
Trees and hedgerows are good for the environment, they enhance the quality of our landscape, improve human
they have enough soil and space for a healthy root system. Damaging or cutting roots, injuries to the main stem or improper pruning can result in stress and disease which will damage a tree’s health and will compromise its appearance and life expectancy. This can also lead to a tree becoming unstable creating issues around public safety, especially older trees that are more likely to fall in storms due to disease. For this reason, it’s important that landowners are aware of the risks and liability associated with roadside trees, and that they employ a competent professional, such as an arboriculturalist, to carry out an assessment of trees on their property. In order to make sure that perfectly healthy trees are not removed, the following should be considered:
needed to help inform future
management
• A tree survey will let you know
health and are vitally important for wildlife. They also help to mitigate climate change and flooding, prevent soil erosion and can add value to the economy. Trees are important features in towns and villages throughout Ireland, bringing nature into our urban spaces, adding biodiversity and interest to the environment, creating more healthy and enjoyable living conditions for local people, and most importantly they can help in the creation of sustainable communities. Therefore, given the current climate and biodiversity emergency and that Ireland has less than 2% native woodland and hedgerow cover, it is vital that we protect and conserve the trees - especially mature broadleaves - in our landscape.
whether tree surgery, felling or otherwise is needed, and will identify the most cost-effective way forward
Roadside Trees and Their Management
• Good tree management requires reliable information. A tree survey and inspection, carried out by an independent qualified professional, will provide the right information
• It is also advisable to let the general public know what’s going on, particularly those living nearby. This will help to reduce any alarm or upset and can be easily achieved by putting up signs or by direct consultation.
Most trees are healthy and stable if
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• Remember, tree felling generally requires a Felling Licence from the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
• It’s also important to remember that trees that support active birds’ nests or bat roost cannot be cut down or damaged without a licence from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)