Call for ‘clear’ plan to tackle overgrown trees in Meath housing estates
Calls have been made to develop a comprehensive plan to address the growing “problem” of overgrown trees in housing estates in Meath
At the November meeting of Meath County Council, Sinn Féin Councillor Fionnan Blake submitted a motion urging the local authority to undertake and develop “a clear management plan” to address overgrown trees in housing estates, which should involve direct communications with residents’ committees.
Speaking at the meeting, he highlighted the damage caused by unchecked tree growth.
“The biggest problem I find is that roots are undermining footpaths, causing trip hazards,” the Ratoath MD councillor said.
“In one case in my Municipal District, a boundary wall has been cracked by a tree at the side of a house. Overgrown trees are a growing issue that we need to find a solution to.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Maria White supported the motion, pointing to the dangers some trees cause after a storm.
“After every storm, there’s an awful amount of time and manpower spent removing trees—trees that have blocked roads or fallen into people’s homes,” she said.
“These problems could be prevented with a better tree management plan.”
Cllr White added that the aim is not to remove trees but to manage them properly.
“We know the benefits that trees give us. It is not about cutting them; it is about the right tree, in the right place, at the right time. Action needs to be taken as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Councillor Padraig Fitzsimons suggested the council consider employing a full-time arborist to oversee tree maintenance.
in the council’s written response, they said there is a register of complaints relating to trees that is maintained in each Municipal District.
“An arborist is procured from time to time to assess trees on the register and recommend maintenance or felling where necessary,” the council said.
Works are then carried out by contracted tree surgeons, subject to available funding, with minor maintenance sometimes undertaken by council crews.