Council works to inspect and protect more than 250,000 city trees
8th February 2024
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The far-reaching inspection programme has included all 258,295 trees that fall
under the direct care of City of Wolverhampton Council.

 


It covers a diverse range of species that are located in streets, near public
buildings, in cemeteries and at various parks and open spaces throughout the
city.

 


The inspection programme, which has taken two years to complete, firstly
involved identifying the exact number and location of the trees that fall under
the care of the council.

 


Tree inspectors then assessed each tree to determine its specific
management needs. Every tree has undergone a thorough health and safety
review and any necessary maintenance has been identified and planned in
accordance with the council’s Tree Risk Management policy.

 


The result is a comprehensive city-wide record which will help provide
information about any tree under the council’s care.

 


In addition, the council has also launched an innovative interactive tree
inspection map which allows both residents and stakeholders to access real-
time information on tree locations and inspections.

 


Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate
change, said: “This is a huge achievement which has been made possible by
the dedication of our arboriculture team alongside the development of a digital
platform to manage the tree inspection programme and ongoing maintenance.
“Thanks to officers’ efforts in inspecting, cataloguing and tailoring strategies
for each one of our 258,295 trees, we are ensuring both public safety and the
wellbeing of the trees themselves.

 


“This comprehensive record and new interactive map will now be vital tools to
help us with risk management, maintenance and expansion of our tree stock.
This is important work that will benefit generations to come.

 


“Trees play a vital role in our commitment to tackle climate change. They
capture carbon, provide a habitat for wildlife, reduce the effects of summer
heat and offer a way to limit the risk of flooding.

“Not only are there huge environmental advantages, but there are health and
wellbeing benefits too. Getting outside and creating and enjoying green
spaces in our neighbourhoods can make a real difference to peoples’ physical
and mental wellbeing.”

 


The council’s arboriculture team responds to more than 1,600 customer enquiries each year about trees,  These include queries about pruning, fallen and damaged trees, diseased and unhealthy trees and requests for planting.

For more information about the council’s tree service visit
www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/environment-and-climate/trees-hedges-and-

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