Shropshire Farming Talk: Landowners are responsible for trees on their land
With Storm Darragh being the third named storm of the 2024-2025 season, it brought with it a wave of damage as a result of fallen trees.
It is important for farmers and landowners to understand and consider their responsibilities in relation to their trees. It is the responsibility of landowners to ensure that trees are safe.
Practically, this requires regular inspections of trees to check for any indicators of disease or damage; especially those at the roadside, near areas of permitted public access.
The key aim is to reduce any risks to public safety, especially in areas of high traffic or near footpaths and bridleways. Should a landowner not undertake their obligations, and damage or injury should occur, he or she may find themselves in hot water.
It is important to keep a record of tree inspections and associated remedial works, so evidence of compliance can be given should any negligence claims ever be made.
For further support, I can be contacted at Halls’ headquarters in Shrewsbury on 01743 450700.
by Kate Oakes, Rural Chartered Surveyor at Halls.
