Trees and hedges
The trees and hedgerows bordering the roads and lanes of West
Sussex are a very special part of our county. Providing food and
shelter for thousands of animals, birds and insects, they are a
source of beauty and pleasure for everyone who lives in and visits
West Sussex.
What the County Council does
- We look after nearly half a million trees growing on or near
the highway verge.
- We plant around 400 new or replacement trees every year.
- All newly planted trees are placed on a young tree maintenance
cycle which means they are inspected once a year for the next three
years after planting. During the inspection we check: the tree’s
condition; remulch around the tree, ensure the stakes are stable
and tree guards and ties are adjusted if necessary.
- We cut back our highway trees and hedges which are overhanging
the highway and which can be a nuisance or dangerous for road users
and pedestrians.
- We notify landowners who have hedges, trees or shrubs which are
causing a nuisance to highway users, asking them to take action
quickly.
- We remove foliage covering road signs and street lights, and
obscuring bus stops and shelters.
What other agencies do
- Trees and hedgerows bordering the A27, M23 and A23 are the
responsibility of the Highways
Agency.
- Trees in car parks, parks and other recreational areas are the
responsibility of district and borough
councils.
- The vast majority of hedgerows bordering our roads are owned
and maintained by landowners and farmers.
Standards of service
We carry out regular inspections of the highway and make a note
of any serious problems with highway trees and hedges and also with
private trees and hedges.
Trees
If a problem is reported we inspect the highway tree and arrange
tree surgery if necessary. The best time to carry out work differs
for each species of tree and, unless the tree presents an immediate
danger, we aim to carry out the work at the best time of year.
Hedgerows
The ideal time of year to trim hedges is during the autumn and
winter months. We avoid trimming highway hedges in spring and early
summer so that nesting birds and their young remain
undisturbed.
How you can help us
- Please
report any problems you find with highway trees or hedgerows
affecting the roads and pavements.
- If you have trees, shrubs or hedgerows on your land, please
keep them trimmed so that they do not obstruct the highway or cover
road signs.
- If you are carrying out extensive work on your trees and
hedgerows, we advise the use of warning signs on all
approaches.
- We also recommend that work should be at off peak times and in
daylight. All equipment used should be in good condition, be
clearly visible to road users and should not throw debris into the
path of traffic. Any debris resulting from the work should be
removed from the road, verge and drains. Please contact us on 01243
642105 if you require further information and advice.
- Watering new trees regularly for the first 2-3 years after
planting will help to establish it and ensure the tree has the best
chance of survival. Rainwater from water butts, grey bath water or
even water from a washing-up bowl will do but do not use water from
a dishwasher as the high salt content will be damaging to
plants.
- Please report any vandalism or damage by strimmers or mowers to
us.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if an overhanging tree is growing on
private property?
Many trees and hedgerows stand on private land or form part of a
property boundary. In such cases it is the property owner's
responsibility to maintain them.
What are my responsibilities as a property
owner?
We appreciate that most property and landowners maintain their
trees and hedgerows to a high standard. However, if necessary, we
can serve a notice on a landowner requiring them to carry out work
if we consider the tree or hedge to be causing a highway problem.
In these circumstances we may notify the landowner and seek a
contribution towards work to ensure that the footpath and/or
carriageway is safe.
Are certain trees protected?
Yes, some highway trees are protected by Tree Preservation
Orders (TPOs) and some stand in Conservation Areas or belong to
protected species. We aim to consult the local planning authority
before we carry out work. If protected trees are on private land,
the tree officer of your local district or
borough council should be contacted before any work takes
place.
What happens if birds, bats or other animals live in a
tree or hedgerow that requires surgery or cutting?
We always try to time such work to avoid disturbance to
wildlife. We normally wait until the autumn and winter months to
undertake our major hedge cutting programme on highway land. Spring
and early summer must be avoided to protect nesting birds and their
young. However, where overhanging vegetation is causing a serious
problem we will deal with the problem quickly. If you are
concerned about work on your own land, please contact English
Nature.
Can I remove a hedge rather than maintain
it?
Many hedges are protected by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997,
making their removal illegal. Before carrying out any work of this
nature you must first gain permission from your local district or borough council's planning
department. More information about the Hedgerow Regulations may be
obtained from your local council, or by contacting the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
How often should I water a new tree to help establish
it?
As regularly as you can throughout the growing seasons spring,
summer and autumn. No watering is needed in winter. Hose pipes
cannot be used during the hose pipe ban but watering cans and
buckets can be used from taps. One or two buckets or watering cans
of water per day, or every other day, in times of warm rain-free
weather will suffice, in morning or evening. An irrigation tube is
in place on trees planted from 2011 to aid the watering
process.
Share this
page (third party services may set cookies)