Tree Management
We can give general advice on trees, as well as being responsible for maintaining trees in our ownership or care. In some areas there may be restrictions on what you can do to trees. If in doubt, please check with the Customer Service Centre on 01506 775000 or via email on customer.service@westlothian.gov.uk.
NETs and Land Services are responsible for the care of trees in the council's control. If you feel that a tree is sick, the Customer Service Centre will take all required details and pass them onto a qualified officer who can assess the tree.
If there is a tree preservation order in force in your area - or if you live in a conservation area - you will be restricted in what you can do. Staff in the Customer Service Centre can check whether your area or tree is covered by any restrictions.
NETs and Land Services Arbor Team, who are responsible for trees in West Lothian, have achieved Approved Arbor Contractor status - the first Local Authority in Scotland to achieve this. Being the only one of its type within the arboricultural industry the scheme seeks to set a benchmark for tree work standards and operations and covers the assessment of approximately 300 separate points as part of its qualifying criteria. The principle aim of the scheme is to promote the highest standards of tree care and management operations throughout the UK & Ireland but it also includes a very rigorous audit of health & safety management systems, compliance with industry good practice and first class customer care procedures.
Tree Planting Requests:
The Council undertakes to plant and replant trees in open spaces managed and maintained by NETs and Land Services. The number of trees planted can vary for year to year and we evaluate carefully all potential tree planting sites.
Tree Leaves Causing Problems:
Only in exceptional circumstances will trees be pruned/removed as a response to complaints of falling leaves, fruit or other deposits. For example where there maybe a high risk to public safety, in such cases replacement by more suitable species will be the primary option. Council street cleaning arrangements include provision for dealing with leaf litter.
Tree Preservation Orders:
Advice can be given regarding trees which are in a conservation area of which are protected by a tree preservation order (TPO). The Council's Development Control and Building Standards unit can provide guidance advice about conservation areas and TPO's. You may need permission to do works to a protected tree. For further information, please contact the Development Control office on 01506 775222.
