Woking Borough Council
Civic OfficesGloucester SquareWokingSurreyGU21 6YL
Telephone: 01483 755855
Storm damage to trees
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- I have a number of trees that have been damaged by gales. What should I do?
- What can I do about clearing storm damaged trees in my garden?
- There are trees near my house that are swaying alarmingly in the wind. Are they unsafe?
- My tree appears to be leaning. Does this mean it is unsafe?
- A tree in my garden has been damaged by storms and is now leaning over a road. What should I do?
- My tree is protected by TPO and has been damaged by storm winds. What should I do?
I have a number of trees that have been damaged by gales. What should I do?
If a tree splits at a weak fork it is likely to cause a large wound. Whilst the tree may remain structurally safe for some years, decay can develop around this area and the tree may become unsafe, ultimately requiring removal. Where large splits have occurred, it may be sensible to remove the damaged tree and replace it altogether with a new tree.
The loss of branches from a tree is not necessarily indicative that the whole tree has become dangerous. Trees will often shed branches as a defence mechanism against being blown over, or losing larger branches. Furthermore, coniferous trees may shed many branches because they have developed with a year round wind resistance.
Broken branches, and those which may be hanging in the tree, should be treated as a priority. Where major branches have been lost further tree surgery works may be required to visually rebalance the tree.
What can I do about clearing storm damaged trees in my garden?
Do not be tempted to use a chainsaw to fell or cut up damaged trees unless you are experienced and have the appropriate protective clothing. Every year approximately 500 people are seriously injured using chainsaws in their gardens. Even cutting up fallen branches with a chainsaw is hazardous and members of the public are advised to use qualified tree surgeons in all cases.
Before employing a tree surgeon you should check that they are insured for both public and employee liability insurance. Details of tree contractors and consultants operating throughout the UK are available from the Arboricultural Association.
There are trees near my house that are swaying alarmingly in the wind. Are they unsafe?
Swaying is generally normal but after extreme winds you should inspect your trees looking for any signs of storm damage. Coniferous trees tend to move in the wind more than deciduous trees, and it does not necessary mean a tree is going to fall. Do not be tempted to try and fell a tree in high winds as this can be very hazardous.
My tree appears to be leaning. Does this mean it is unsafe?
Trees lean for many reasons, some develop leans as a natural growth response to competition from other trees. If the top portion of a leaning tree sweeps back to the vertical it is unlikely the lean has recently developed. However, if the whole symmetry of the tree is at an unnatural angle the tree may have been moved by gales. If you have any doubt whether a tree has been moved by gales, you should seek specialist advice.
Even if a tree appears not to have moved you may wish to inspect the immediate base of the tree. If there are cracks in the soil radiating away from the base of the trunk, the tree will require a more thorough inspection by a competent arborist.
The Council maintains lists of local tree contractors and consultants as a service to the public and endeavours to include details of those who provide a high quality service.
Further details of tree contractors and consultants operating throughout the UK are available from the Arboricultural Association.
A tree in my garden has been damaged by storms and is now leaning over a road. What should I do?
The responsibility for the safety of trees rests with the owner of the land on which the trees are situated. If you discover a tree which is dangerous immediate action should be undertaken to make it safe (there is an additional responsibility to inform the Council if a damaged tree is protected by a TPO or within a Conservation Area).
Trees that are in poor condition are more likely to be affected by storms, so it is a good idea to have large trees inspected every few years by a qualified arborist.
The Council maintains lists of local tree contractors and consultants as a service to the public and endeavours to include details of those who provide a high quality service.
Further details of tree contractors and consultants operating throughout the UK are available from the Arboricultural Association.
My tree is protected by TPO and has been damaged by storm winds. What should I do?
If a tree that is protected by TPO or a Conservation Area suffers storm damage, you may carry out what ever work is necessary to make it safe without delay. The work must be the minimum required to make the tree safe and any additional work will require an application to the Council. You must inform the Council at the first opportunity if you have carried out work on a damaged protected tree, or if a protected tree has been blown down in your garden. You a may be required to replace a protected tree that has been blown down or felled.
It is important to remember it is your responsibility, if challenged, to be able to prove that any work you have carried out on a protected tree was essential to make the tree safe. Therefore, it is a good idea to make a photographic record of storm damage to protected trees prior to felling or removing them.