Tree management - Print version

Trees are an important part of the character of our city, bringing with them many benefits.

We will maintain our trees to a safe condition and will:

• Carry out routine inspections of all Council owned trees
• Carry out annual pruning where programmed
• Remove dead, dying and dangerous trees
• Remove dangerous and damaged limbs
• Prune branches where a actionable nuisance is being caused - such as damage to buildings
• Investigate any enquiry within five working days, or 24 hours if urgent;

Please see our tree maintenance page [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/heritage-ecology-trees/tree-management/7] for detail on this year's maintenance programme.

You can also read our:

• tree management policy [/downloads/download/1580/highway_tree_policy]
• iTree study report [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/parks-open-spaces/itree]

We do not have to:

• Prune back or remove overhanging branches unless they are considered a actionable nuisance
• Prune or fell trees to improve light to a property;
• Prune or fell trees to improve the view from a property;
• Prune or fell trees to improve the TV reception to a property;

Trees on housing land

Land on some housing estates is under the control of Citizen Housing. Your local housing office will be able to answer any questions you may have about the maintenance of trees in these areas.

Private trees

Please help us by making sure that your trees and hedges do not overhang and obstruct footways and carriageways.

The benefits of urban trees

Trees in towns and cities bring both benefits and costs. While many of the costs are well known, the benefits can be more difficult to measure. But lots of research has been carried out on the benefits trees bring, which include:

Economic benefits

Consumer behaviour

A study by the University of Washington showed the benefits of trees in business districts. People were found to be willing to pay more for parking in landscaped car parks and on average reported a willingness to pay about 11% more for goods in a landscaped business district than a non landscaped district, with this figure being as high as 50% for convenience goods.

Both the business community and consumers were found to favour business districts with good landscaping and the quality of landscaping along approach routes to business districts has also been found to have a positive influence on consumer perceptions.  (Wolf (c))

Inward investment

The attractiveness of an environment is an important factor in encouraging inward investment. Both consumers and businesses have been found to favour districts with trees and the increase in retail prices in well landscaped areas can help to attract businesses.

Property values

Several studies in the USA have looked at the effect of tree cover on the price of residential house sales, finding that values of properties in tree lined areas may be up to 6% greater than in similar areas without trees (Wolf, 1998 (c)).

Social benefits

Crime reduction

It is often thought that trees and other plants can provide cover for criminals and increase crime, but in a survey in Chicago in the USA, areas with higher vegetation cover were found to have lower rates of crime.

Crime rates could be reduced by trees for two reasons: they encourage people to use and enjoy open spaces and they help to reduce mental fatigue, which can lead to outbursts of anger and violence (Kuo and Sullivan, 2001(b)).

Other social benefits

A lot of research has been undertaken by the Human-Environment Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois and has identified many benefits that trees have on society.

Many of these benefits relate to encouraging people out of their homes and into public open space, where they react more with others and build stronger social relationships. Another benefit is the positive effect that contact with nature can have on children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) (Taylor, Kuo, Sullivan, 2001).

Workers who can see nature from their desks take 23% less time off sick than those who can't and report greater job satisfaction. And hospital patients with views of trees have been found to recover quicker than those who can't.

Environmental benefits

Pollution interception

Research in the West Midlands by Lancaster University (Hewitt et al, undated) has shown that trees can reduce pollution - although in some cases they can produce organic compounds that can add to pollution.

Different species of tree have different effects on air quality. Willows, poplars and oaks can potentially worsen air quality during hot weather, whilst ash, alder and birch have some of the greatest benefits.

The study estimates that doubling the number of trees in the West Midlands would reduce excess deaths due to particulate pollution by up to 140 per year.

Carbon sequestration

It is well known that trees, in common with all vegetation, absorb carbon dioxide (one of the principal greenhouse gases) and release oxygen. There are differing views over the amount of carbon involved, but trees do have an important role to play in reducing the effects of greenhouse gases.

Fuel use

Careful tree planting can reduce the amount of fuel used on both heating and cooling buildings. Trees provide shelter and reduce windspeed, thus reducing heat loss from buildings during winter. They also provide shade in the summer, and the way water evaporates from leaves has a general cooling effect on surrounding air. This can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning during hot weather.

Noise reduction

Trees and other vegetation can play an important role in cutting noise pollution by reflecting and absorbing sound energy.

Hydrology

Trees have a number of water-related effects. These include reducing erosion and improving water quality by absorbing pollution. Perhaps the most important effect in Britain at present is reducing groundwater run-off and the threat of flooding.

Wildlife benefits

Trees are an important wildlife habitat. They provide nesting sites for birds and support a wide range of insects that are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Trees that bear berries are also a direct source of food for many bird species.

In towns and cities it is important separate green spaces are linked to each other and the countryside. Trees and other vegetation along highways, waterways and railways are particularly important to wildlife in this way.

Other benefits

Road safety

Trees can help improve road safety in a number of ways.

Trees lining streets give the impression of narrowing the street and encourage slower driving.

The stress reduction effects of trees (Wolf 1998(d), Kuo and Sullivan 2001(b)) are likely to have the effect of reducing road rage and improving the attention of drivers.

Trees along streets also provide a buffer between pedestrians and traffic.

Road surfaces

It is well-known that tree roots can damage roads and footpaths, but less well known is the fact that the shade cast by trees can greatly increase the life of road surfaces by reducing the temperatures which the surface reaches during hot weather.

Bibliography

Papers marked * are included in the appendices of the PDF version of this document.

• *Coder, KD, 1996, Identified Benefits of Community Trees and Forests, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service - Forest Resources Publication FOR96-39
• Dwyer, JF, McPherson, EG, Schroeder, HW and Rowntree, R, 1992, Assessing the Benefits and Costs of the Urban Forest, [in] Journal of Arboriculture 18(5), pp 227 - 234.
• *Hewitt, N, Stewart, H, Donovan, R and MacKenzie, R, undated. Trees and Sustainable Urban Air Quality, Research summary from Lancaster University at http://www.es.lancs.ac.uk/people/cnh/docs/UrbanTrees.htm
• *Kuo, FE and Sullivan, WC, 2001(a), Environment and Crime in the Inner City. Does Vegetation Reduce Crime [in] Environment and Behaviour 33(3), pp 343 - 367
• *Kuo, FE and Sullivan, WC, 2001(b), Aggression and Violence in the Inner City - Effects of Environment via Mental Fatigue, [in] Environment and Behaviour 33(4), pp 543 - 571
• *Kuo, FE, 2003, The role of Arboriculture in a Healthy Social Ecology [in] Journal of Arboriculture 29(3), pp148 - 155
• *Nowak, DJ, undated, The Effects of Urban Trees on Air Quality, USDA Forest Service, Syracuse , NY
• *Taylor, AF, Kuo, FE, Sullivan, WC, 2001, COPING WITH ADD - The Surprising Connection to Green Play Settings [in] Environment and Behaviour 33(1), pp 54 - 77
• *Wolf, K, 1998(a), Trees in Business Districts - Positive Effects on Consumer Behaviour, University of Washington College of Forest Resources, Factsheet #30.
• *Wolf, K, 1998(b), Trees in Business Districts - Comparing Values of Consumers and Business, University of Washington College of Forest Resources, Factsheet #31.
• *Wolf, K, 1998(c), Urban Forest Values: Economic Benefits of Trees in Cities, University of Washington College of Forest Resources, Factsheet #29.
• *Wolf, K, 1998(d), Urban Nature Benefits: Psycho-Social Dimensions of People and Plants, University of Washington College of Forest Resources, Factsheet #1.
• *Wolf, K, 1999, Grow for the Gold, [in] TreeLink 14, Washington State Department of Natural Resources
• *Wolf, K, 2000, Community Image - Roadside Settings and Public Perceptions, University of Washington College of Forest Resources, Factsheet #32.
• *Wolf, K, 2003, Public Response to the Urban Forest in Inner-City Business Districts, [in] Journal of Arboriculture 29(3) pp 117 - 126 

Choosing an arborist

Why choose a professional arborist?

Tree work is a dangerous and highly skilled operation. Choosing an arborist (tree surgeon) is something that must be done with great care. Picking the wrong arborist could lead to:

• Injury
• Damage to property
• Damage to your trees that have taken many years to grow...

Tree work operations (arboriculture) need a high degree of technical knowledge, supported by training and experience. For these reasons tree work should only be undertaken by well trained, competent arborists who hold adequate insurance.

Genuine or not?

Anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon and place an advert in Yellow Pages and offer a service. An advert alone does not guarantee quality of work or that it will be carried out safely.

Skilled arborists will have certificates which show that they have been trained and assessed. They will often have other academic qualifications in arboriculture and will use safety equipment to protect you, your property and themselves.

Reputable tree care companies will be pleased to give you copies of their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships and will work to nationally recognised standards.

Questions you should ask an arborist

Stage 1: Asking for a quote

(a reputable arborist will always give a positive response)

1. Are you insured?

If yes, please show evidence of insurance - Employer's liability and Public Liability (recommended min £5million)

2. Do you work to a British Standard?

If yes, which one? Should be BS3998

3. What qualifications do you and your staff hold?

You should ask to see copies of certificates.

Compulsory: Must have NPTC certificates for chainsaw use. NPTC is a national organisation that assesses competence of people using chainsaws and other arboricultural equipment. Competent arborists will be able to show you either an A4 sized certificate or a plastic ID card.

Recommended: Certificates for other skills and machines. Arboricultural knowledge, such as National Certificates and Diplomas.

4. Will you provide a written quotation?

If no reject this contractor

5. Are you a member of a professional organisation?

Membership does not guarantee work standards but does show a degree of commitment.

6. Can you provide me with the phone number of a referee who can show me some of your work?

If yes, follow up the lead

Stage 2: Choosing the quote that suits you

When you receive your quotations check they include the following before deciding which one to accept:

• The name, address and landline telephone number of the company.
• Reference to BS 3998
• Clear and full details of the work to be undertaken
• What will happen to any waste
• Whether VAT is included
• Who will be responsible for getting permission for the work if the trees are protected
• What steps will be taken to protect you and your property

Competent arborists

In the UK there are voluntary schemes certifying arborists through examination and regular reassessment or continuing professional development.

The Arboricultural Association maintains an annual Directory of quality assured arboricultural contracting companies. Contractors (and consultants) in the Directory are regularly assessed for their health and safety procedures, office and business practices as well as their quality of tree work. They will display the AA collective mark logo. Please check with the Association that the contractor's approval is current.

Coventry Tree Wardens

Do you want to help protect Coventry's trees?

People with an interest in protecting and promoting the city's trees are invited to join the Coventry Tree Warden Network (CTWN). Visit the Coventry Tree Warden Network (CTWN) website [http://www.ctwn.org.uk/] for more information on joining the network and future activities.

Some people have already joined the group and a committee has been formed to coordinate the network's activities with the Council and The Tree Council.

The Tree Council works with local authorities, voluntary organisations, parish councils and local partnerships to set up and develop Tree Warden networks. Today there are over 8,000 Tree Wardens in communities throughout the UK, devoting a total of over 1.8 million volunteer hours a year.

The group will give people who feel that trees matter an opportunity to play an active role in championing and protecting their local trees.

Tree Wardens can get involved with a range of activities, from practical projects such as planting and caring for trees to gathering information about local trees and developing imaginative projects to encourage others - including schoolchildren - to value their local trees and woods.

The Programme Director for The Tree Council, which co-ordinates the Tree Warden Scheme nationally, said: "Volunteering as a Coventry Tree Warden is an excellent way to champion the community's trees and do something really useful and positive for the local environment.

"The Tree Council is working with its members, like the Council, to make more people aware that trees matter - and that effective action for trees and woods means a great deal more than just planting new ones. It sees Tree Wardens as a key part of its community action programme.

"Coventry Tree Wardens are not only the eyes and ears of their communities on tree issues but also have an important part to play in encouraging others to value their local trees."

Environmental charity The Tree Council is an umbrella body for 180 member organisations, including the Council working together for trees. A registered charity, it promotes the planting and conservation of trees in town and country. Its goal is to make trees matter to everyone.

COVENTREE An Urban Forestry Strategy for Coventry

Read the new Coventry Urban Forestry Strategy 2022 -2032 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/heritage-ecology-trees/coventry-urban-forestry-strategy-2022-2032].

Street tree sponsorship scheme

Coventry City Council is among some of the first local authorities in the UK to join Trees for Streets [https://www.treesforstreets.org/], the new national street tree sponsorship scheme.

Trees for Streets is a project by Trees for Cities, the national urban tree charity, and is funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. It aims to support the planting of more than a quarter of a million street trees nationwide over the next ten years.

The Trees for Streets online platform is easy-to-use and means anyone can sponsor a street tree in their neighbourhood by making a donation, and completing a few simple details. A request is automatically sent to the Council, who then assess the chosen location for suitability. If the chosen spot is appropriate, they will make the arrangements to plant a tree the following winter: the best time to plant young trees to ensure they grow and thrive.

Sponsor a tree [https://sponsor.treesforstreets.org/provider/coventry-city-council]

Why are street trees important?

• Street trees deliver a whole host of benefits right outside your door – here’s what they do for us:
• Capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen
• Improve our health and wellbeing – both physically and mentally
• Capture air pollution
• Improve air quality by acting like natural filters
• Protect us from flooding
• Create shading and cooling – so important in towns and cities
• Make the neighbourhoods where we live that bit nicer.

How to get involved

Beyond sponsoring a tree, there are lots of other ways for you to get involved.

Once each street tree is planted, it will need watering every week throughout the summer for three years to give it the best chance of survival. Any litter or weeds will need removing as well to make sure it thrives.

By donating your time (and water) to care for street trees, you’ll be contributing to a legacy for your community.

It’s also a great opportunity to chat with neighbours and enjoy the fresh air these trees provide.

Tree Maintenance Programme

Each year, we undertake programmed pollarding maintenance on street trees. These can be cut once every three years or every five years, depending on the location.

The list shows which streets we will be pollarding trees in this winter. The work will start during December and continue through to March. You can help our contractor when they are working, by relocating your car, if needed. 

• Allesley Old Road
• Briscoe Road
• Butlin Road
• Carnbroe Ave
• Three Spires Avenue
• Christchurch Road
• Clovelly Road
• Tomson Ave
• Humber Road
• Masser Road
• Murray Road
• Villa Road
• Engleton Road
• Fowler Road
• Hewitt Avenue
• Lawrence Saunders Rd
• Belvedere Rd
• Second Avenue

Report a tree issue

We maintain trees in the following Council owned locations:

• Streets
• Parks, woodlands and open spaces
• Cemeteries and churchyards
• Allotments

If a council-owned tree is diseased, damaged, overhangs the highway or needs pruning you can report it to us.

We can only deal with trees on private land if they are causing an obstruction. 

Tree emergencies

If you believe a tree issue is an emergency, for example a tree has fallen in the road or is continuing to be in an unsafe state, please call us.

We will take details of the problem and take the appropriate action.

Report a tree issue [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Green_space___Report_a_tree_issue]