Consultation decision and feedback

Generic themes raised by members of the public 

Leeds City Council’s response

Confirmation and clarity around felling street tree(s)

The council will consult before felling any street tree(s). The consultation will provide in detail which tree(s) we are proposing to fell and why. The council will not fell any other tree(s) that are not outlined specifically in the consultation.  All future street tree removal in the street, local area and across Leeds (unless exempt*) will be subject to individual S115 consultations.

*Exemptions include planning permission, trees that are dead, dying, or diseased, trees subject to plant health notification, and trees growing alongside the strategic road network are not included in S115 consultations.

How do you identify which tree(s) need to be considered for felling?

The council receives communications from residents and councillors regarding tree(s) posing concerns. Trained, experienced professionals inspect the tree and the immediate surrounding area.  Highlighting issues such as unreasonably high risk / danger to human life and or property and accessibility- including trip hazards.  Factors such as historic tree management, habitat provisions, and the physical wellbeing of tree are also documented.  Collectively all the above assists us in making the decision to consult to fell the tree.  

Will alternative solutions be looked at before the council proposes to fell the tree(s)?

The council will always consider alternatives to tree(s) felling. Investigations include:

• Source alternate access route away from tree
• the tree(s) location on the street near highway/path prevents this option much of the time 
• Root pruning
• a viable option for young trees, we can often relay the path flat after root pruning.
• mature trees require all roots as anchorage and support to prevent risk of falling in high winds– root pruning is not a viable option for mature trees 
• Regrade/resurface path to make it flat
• The council will always seek to resurface a path using a more flexible surface where possible

Biodiversity comments 

Trees are an important ecological feature, and a single tree can support hundreds, if not thousands of species, as well as providing a stepping stone for wildlife across the landscape. Whilst we would always seek viable options to retain a tree, when it has outgrown its location and presenting unreasonable risk, action will be taken at all times.  Compensation for any loss can be accounted for in some part to the council’s aim of planting 5.8 million trees over 25 years- as detailed in our response to the climate emergency in 2019. 

Emotive comments 

The council cannot respond to comments which are emotional in nature, these feelings and comments are personal to the respondent.  Please take reassurance with tree removal proposals are avoided where possible. 

Climate change

Trees play an important role in helping to mitigate climate change through absorbing and storing carbon. Other benefits include but are not limited to pollution & noise absorption as well as acting as flood protection.

 In 2019, the council declared a climate emergency. To combat this, we are planting 5.8 million trees over 25 years which equates to 50 hectares of land every year.

However, it does take away from our-riding duty of care for residents utilising our streets and ensuring safe pedestrian travel.

Climate change (leeds.gov.uk)