Tree Safety for Paths

This is an old version of the page

This is an old version of the page

Date published: 30 March, 2015

Date superseded: 8 March, 2016

It is important to keep new or upgraded paths reasonably safe from falling trees, and unobstructed by trees and branches for the full range of users.

Any land is eligible.

Tree safety works must relate to upgraded or new paths.

Tree safety survey:

  • to be undertaken in any high-risk areas of woodland.
  • survey all semi-mature and mature trees within falling distance of paths and assess trees in terms of condition, health and risk to the public
  • identify trees for removal, pruning or brashing, and mark trees identified for treatment

Make safe hazardous trees:

  • remove trees, dangerous limbs, deadwood and other dangerous features identified in the tree safety survey as posing significant risk to users of the new or upgraded path
  • you will be responsible for obtaining any felling licences that may be needed
  • you must maintain a diary of photographic evidence of the tree safety works

Manual brashing:

  • to be carried out along both sides of path as required to open a path corridor for all users unobstructed by vegetation; may additionally increase light levels to the path or open up views
  • to be carried out using purpose-made hand or mechanical pruning saws (not chainsaws)
  • cuts should be flush with stem and to a minimum height of 2 metres
  • you must maintain a diary of photographic evidence of the tree safety works

You can claim:

  • tree safety survey: £33 per hectare
  • make safe hazardous trees: £113 per tree
  • manual brashing: £1.09 per metre of path

The inspectors will check:

  • the location and extent of the work

Tree safety survey:

  • survey was undertaken in a high risk areas of woodland
  • all semi-mature and mature trees within falling distance of paths were surveyed; trees were assessed in terms of condition, health and risk to the public
  • identified trees for removal, pruning or brashing, and marked trees identified for treatment

Make safe hazardous trees:

  • trees, dangerous limbs, deadwood and other dangerous features were removed as identified in the tree safety survey as posing significant risk to users of the new or upgraded path
  • you have obtained any felling licences that may be needed
  • you have maintained a diary of photographic evidence of the tree safety works

Manual brashing:

  • work was carried out along both sides of path as required to open a path corridor for all users unobstructed by vegetation; may additionally increase light levels to the path or open up views
  • work was carried out using purpose-made hand or mechanical pruning saws (not chainsaws)
  • cuts were flush with stem and to a minimum height of 2 metres
  • you have maintained a diary of photographic evidence of the tree safety works