TREE MANAGEMENT POLICY

Summary of the policy

The Trust’s tree management policy aims to preserve and

enhance the quality of the tree stock on the Estate and applies

to BVT owned land as well as residents’ gardens.

Our overriding aim is to preserve and enhance the quality of the

tree stock without compromising safety.

Why preserve the tree stock on the Estate?

Bournville is well known for the number of trees in the open spaces, woodlands and

tree spinneys and individual gardens.

It is generally recognised that trees provide significant benefits. They have a positive

benefit on the well being of the population, improve and enhance the environment

and make an important contribution to wildlife habitats.

What does the Trust do?

The Trust carries out a survey of its own trees in publicly accessible areas on a

regular basis which produces an annual programme of work.

Routine inspections are also carried out on trees in spinneys where essential work is

carried out. Spinneys are managed for the benefit of wildlife – for example bird

boxes have been installed and a programme of wildflower planting has begun to

encourage a range of species.

We aim to undertake a tree planting programme on an annual basis to ensure that

when trees are unavoidably removed they are replaced, and to maintain a suitable

mixture of tree stock on the Estate.

The Trust does not carry out any work on trees in the ownership of third parties such

as the Council, Local Highway Authority or other land owners.

What are the responsibilities of residents?

Residents on the Estate are normally responsible for carrying out work on any trees

in their own gardens. You may need consent (particularly for major work such as

felling or significant pruning), and if in doubt you should refer to the Trust. Contact or

write to the Estates Team.

Tree surgery or felling is only normally permitted if trees are dead, dangerous or

dying and the Trust would not normally allow trees to be removed solely to benefit an

individual if such work would adversely affect the community as a whole or the

amenity of the Estate.

Any work carried out on trees should be justified and should be for the benefit of the

health of the tree(s).

The Trust would not normally consider pollen, fallen leaves, fruits or seeds,

droppings, impact on views or TV reception to be good reasons for removing trees.

Work on trees affected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) would normally require

the consent of the Local Authority as well as the Trust. It may also be necessary to

consider the needs of protected species (such as bats) before carrying out any work.

If residents are permitted to remove a tree the Trust would expect a suitable

replacement to be planted. Replacement trees in gardens should be appropriate for

the circumstances and size of the garden. Tree planting is best undertaken in the

winter months when the trees are dormant. Advice on suitable replacements can be

provided.

All work should be carried out by properly qualified contractors.

Advice on pruning

Standard pruning techniques which are acceptable and which should be adopted in

appropriate circumstances are:

Crown thinning – involves removing some secondary branch growth to create a less

dense crown, usually up to a maximum of 15%. In some cases suitable crown

thinning can enhance a tree’s appearance by creating a more visually balanced

crown.

Crown lifting – involves removing some of the lower branches to provide safe access

along paths and roads. We would not normally lift lower branches to more than one

third of the tree’s total height.

Crown reduction – involves reducing the tree’s crown, whilst maintaining its natural

shape.

Pollarding and root pruning would only be undertaken in appropriate circumstances.

Lopping or topping (meaning severe cutting back of large limbs) is generally not

acceptable as this could result in the disfigurement of the tree(s) and/or cause the

tree(s) to become susceptible to disease and decay.