7.9 Safety implications for trees and planting

Poor siting of trees and poor species selection could have safety implications and lead to damage of property. However, safety implications should not be used as an excuse to not incorporate trees and greenery and there will always be a suitable method of introducing greenery to streets. The following requirements should be noted:

Most planting, including trees, is permissible within visibility splays, but it should not obstruct visibility within a zone between 0.6m to 2.1m above ground level. This means ground cover planting and low-level shrubs can be used, and trees must have a clear stem height (the distance between the lowest branch and the ground) of 2.1m.

Trees should not have branches or foliage below a height of 2.3m on a pavement / cycleway or 5.1m on the carriageway and areas of parking.

Poor species selection can cause various long term safety issues. For example, species with invasive surface rooting and / or suckering can cause damage to private as well as highway structures and should not be used.

The approved species listed in this guide must not be deviated from unless a rigorous assessment is undertaken by a qualified landscape architect or arborist. In all cases, the species selection must be undertaken by a qualified professional.