The character of the West End owes much to the presence of large mature trees in public and private gardens. Many trees, however, are now over-mature and in slow decline; others have been lost to Dutch Elm Disease. It is essential for the continuation of the area's tree cover that existing healthy trees are retained and that new tree planting takes place wherever possible.
The communal or "pleasure" gardens of the West End are a unique and valuable landscape feature. Their future, however, is largely dependent on the interest of their joint owners. A co-ordinated effort is required to undertake regular maintenance and ensure long-term management.
Trees in private gardens and lanes also make a significant contribution to streetscape character.
Trees usually thrive with a minimum amount of interference. In towns, however, restricted space, shading and leaf litter often present problems to residents; these are usually best addressed by skilled tree surgery.
The careful thinning of certain branches is far preferable to the unsightly "pollarding" of healthy trees. When problems are too severe to be overcome by tree surgery, the City Council approves removal and replanting with a suitable species (grant assistance may be available for replacement planting).
Trees in the Conservation Area are protected by law. Owners must notify Development and Regeneration Services of their intention to fell or prune any tree. The Council has six weeks to respond before the work may legally commence.
Work to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order requires an application to City Council for consent.
Notification of proposed tree works within the Conservation Area or applications for consent to carry out works to a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order should be made to the Landscaping and Conservation Section of Development and Regeneration Services (where advice and a series of leaflets on tree care are also available). A list of addresses and telephone numbers for City Council services can be found on Statutory Bodies and Other Organisations.
If you intend to carry out tree works:
