Extensive efforts are being made to retain Perthshire’s reputation as Big Tree Country.
A new strategy has been unveiled by Perth and Kinross Council to preserve and manage woodland on public land. It commits the local authority to protecting, improving and developing tree cover.
This will be achieved in two main ways by adopting a continuous programme of tree inspection and maintenance, and by seeking a continuous improvement in the quality of trees.
The duties for the council cover the regular maintenance and inspection of trees on land it owns and manages, protecting trees of historical and environmental significance and taking steps to make any trees safe which present a demonstrable hazard to people or property.
A report to go before members of the environment committee revealed that almost 750 complaints are received each year about trees, mainly regarding blocked light, overhanging branches, or poor television reception.
It is hoped the new policy will help reduce the number of inquiries received about tree-related issues which the local authority is not obliged to take action on.
In the report, tree and woodland policy officer Richard Brough outlined the goals of the strategy.
He said: “The policy clearly sets out what the council can and cannot do, and what the customers can do themselves. Useful information and advice on a variety of tree-related issues is given to the customer within the policy, and guidance on how to report a tree-related inquiry is also given.
“It will provide clarity for the customer service centre and the public, and ensure that only inquiries relating to council-owned trees, where actions are likely to be required, will reach the designated officers.”
Mr Brough said the council’s primary focus will be to respond to concerns about trees which pose the “highest risk or most inconvenience” for the public.
High risk trees in major parks and popular open spaces will be identified through a rigorous inspection programme.
Environment convener Alan Grant said: “At the same time as undertaking work to care for and maintain trees on the land the council owns and manages, we also have to take a strategic approach to the many inquiries we receive about trees that are privately owned.
“The proposed policy provides additional advice to the public about what we can and cannot do, and what actions they can reasonably take themselves,” he went on.
“In this way, we hope to deliver a more efficient service that continues to support the quality of trees and woodland that is already very high in Perth and Kinross.”