Tree Management
Perth and Kinross is renowned for its trees. It is home to the oldest tree in Europe, the tallest hedge in the world, and many other fine, unusual or historic specimens. Many of the exotic species to be found in Perthshire such as the Douglas Fir and Monkey Puzzle were first introduced to Britain and Europe by the famous plant collectors David Douglas and Archibald Menzies, both men are from Perthshire. On top of this, trees provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including the increasingly rare red squirrel.
Planting a tree is about the longest-term thing anyone can do: it can be a gift to the people who live in Perth and Kinross 200 years from now.
The Council has a responsibility to protect and improve the tree cover on publicly owned land, through survey and maintenance and through new and replacement planting. It also protects trees through tree preservation orders.
It has a dedicated team of professionals who strive to bring this about.
We are working to improve the trees and woodlands of Perth and Kinross to make them more accessible and increase their landscape value and biodiversity. There value as habitats can be increased by linking one area with the next to form a green chain.
In our parks and open spaces we undertake a regular programme of inspection, maintenance and replacement, as well as encouraging the restoration of hedgerows and important tree features.
The Council invites citizens of Perth and Kinross to become involved in looking after its trees. There is a tree warden scheme which provides opportunities for individuals to become trained and get involved with a variety of tree related projects. The scheme is one of the longest running of its kind in Britain and is overseen by
The Tree Council.
For further information please contact 01738 476476 or email
es@pkc.gov.uk.
Advice for private tree owners
- If you are in any doubt about whether a tree is protected contact by a Tree Presevation Order, please contact 01738 476476 or email es@pkc.gov.uk. It is the landowner's responsibility to ensure that a tree is not protected in any way before carrying out or authorising such works.
- Always employ a suitable trained professional Tree Surgeon, who is covered by Public Liability Insurance.
- Always ask for proof of qualifications: reputable tree surgeons will always have some form of professional identification and qualification proof.
- Always ask to see their insurance certificate that shows that they are covered by Public indemnity insurance.
- Trees can be damaged by poor work, bringing with it a far larger bill later on: it is better to have the job done well and done once only.
- Landowners have the right to prune back any part of a tree growing on adjoining land which overhangs their property, back to their boundary. The Council can supply a list of suitable contractors for this type of work.
