Tree management
Last Updated: 3 April 2024
Our Arboricultural Officer works with our grounds maintenance contractor and tree surgeons to manage trees on council owned land.
Trees in parks and open spaces
We are responsible for trees in parks and open spaces that we maintain.
To let us know about fallen or dangerous trees on our land you can request ground maintenance work on our land.
Trees on road verges
If you see any issues such as fallen trees or overhanging branches on roads, highways, public footpaths or bridleways please contact us to report a fault on the highway.
Tree management in Fletcher Park, Kendal
We are working with the Friends of Fletcher Park to plant new trees to create a small orchard garden within the park. We continue to look after the larger, older trees with pruning works. Two large Ash trees are now showing signs of decline with Chalara dieback, with one due to be removed later this year.
Chalara dieback of Ash in South Lakeland
Chalara dieback of Ash has been identified in woodlands within the South Lakeland area. Chalara dieback of Ash, caused by the Hymenoscyphus fraxineus fungus, has the potential to have a significant impact upon the health and appearance of woodlands in the area.
The national response to the spread of Chalara dieback of Ash is being co-ordinated by the Forestry Commission who should be informed of any suspected infection sites. Forest Research have details of how to identify and report potentially infected trees.
Implications for access to SLDC managed land
All our public access sites, including woodlands, continue to be open to the public. The spores that cause Chalara Dieback are easily spread by the wind, contact with footwear, clothing and pets.
Woodland management on Kendal Fell
In December 2018 we commenced work on the 'Woodland Management Plan for Kendal'. Cumbria Woodlands managed the consultation, surveyed the woodlands and produced the management plan.
The Forestry Commission checked the Management Plan. The Forestry Commission's 'Woodland Officer' visited the woods and made a recommendation.
On 26 February 2019, the Forestry Commission approved the management plan and works. Kendal Woodland Management Plan (PDF 130KB / 24 pages)
To avoid disturbing nesting birds we didn't start work until January 2020.
We want to improve the structure of the woods we manage to provide safe, diverse and rich habitats. Our objectives for the work are:
- to keep all woodland areas safe, for the recreation and benefit of the public
- to improve the structure of woodlands, to maintain the diversity species diversity and vary the age class within the woodlands
- improving species diversity to mitigate against existing or new tree health issues (such as Ash Dieback and Phytopthora)
- encouraging woodland regeneration
- improving habitat for flora and fauna
- protect and maintain historic features and other features of local interest
The Forestry Commission check the work we do to make sure we are doing it right.
Planning issues
Find out about planning for trees and hedges.
Or if in the National Park area contact Lake District National Park Authority planning.