Trees and Green Spaces Management
We are fortunate on Elvetham Heath to have plenty of green open space and trees on our doorstep. However, large trees can cause concern to some residents and we have noticed an increase in the number of calls and emails about them.
Elvetham Heath Parish Council carries out a tree survey every three years (although trees are regularly monitored) on land we manage. We do not manage:
- Trees on the highway verges. These are managed by Hampshire County Council.
- The nature reserve, which falls under Hart District Council.
We will always retain trees where we can, but our number one priority is public safety. A traffic light system is used for prioritising tree work:
- RED is essential works undertaken within 12 weeks of a job request and includes removing dead and fallen trees and significant deadwood.
- AMBER is desirable works undertaken within six months of a job request and includes removing less significant deadwood and branches coming into contact with a property.
- GREEN is classified as non-essential. The council will not fell or prune trees solely for the following reasons: to increase light levels, interference with television/ satellite reception, minor disruption to fences, shed or paths or to alleviate problems caused by falling leaves, sap etc.
Please note: When trees are overhanging your property from land managed by the Council, you should cut the branches back to your boundary and place the branches over the fence for the grounds team to collect. Our contractors are not able to enter your property to do this for you.
View the Tree Management Policy (September 2023) for more information on tree management. You can also find this and other council policy documents including the use of the village green and fence management on our Policy Documents page.
If you wish to report a problem with a tree or green spaces on Elvetham Heath please contact the Elvetham Heath Parish Council office on 01252 819204 or [email protected].