Council Trees

Much of Basingstoke’s recent tree planting took place in the 1960’s and 1970’s as the town rapidly expanded. The necessity to create this new environment quickly resulted in the planting of a large number of trees that were easy to grow and readily available in the quantities required.

This resulted in a limited number of species being used, these being predominantly maple, cherries, ash and lime. Having such a large number of trees with a limited range of species could cause major problems if a disease or an insect attack similar to Dutch Elm Disease were to occur.

In addition to managing trees in parks and open spaces, the council is also responsible under an agency agreement with Hampshire County Council to manage highway trees within the town of Basingstoke and the parish of Chineham.

Management decisions are made in the context of the wider benefit of the trees to the general public and wildlife
conservation. Tree works will be evaluated primarily in relation to the assessment of risk posed, visual amenity and environmental benefit offered.

The council will continue a rolling maintenance plan to reduce avoidable risks and issues for example:
• vehicle and pedestrian collision;
• the removal of identifiable risks;
• the pruning of young, newly established trees to remove future defects and encourage good structural crown formation; and

Work to trees outside the programmed maintenance plan will only be undertaken when the tree is clearly identified as being a hazard or with reasonable probability will become a hazard, i.e.
it is:
• unsafe;
• obstructing public footpaths or roads; or
• damaging property.

The council will also consider individual requests to fell or prune trees which cause unacceptable shading to a home or garden. Requests will need to be submitted using the correct application form and will be considered using the shading assessment methodology.