Maintain trees or face charges, minister warns

Property and land owners have been warned of potential charges of unkept trees

Property and landowners who keep trees overhanging roads and footpaths have been warned to maintain them or face being charged for work to cut them back and fined up to £5,000.

The Department of Infrastructure said leaving the plants to become overgrown or neglected could pose a risk to pedestrians and passing vehicles.

The Isle of Man features more than 680 miles (1,094km) of roads, with public rights of way stretching almost the same distance.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood said the issue of branches falling onto carriageways was a "very serious one" and it was important for landowners to take action.

She said it was "vital that they know and understand their responsibilities".

'Keep pedestrians safe'

"We know only too well the effects of a bad storm and how many trees can fall in bad weather," she said.

Hundreds of trees were brought down on roads and paths when Storm Eowyn hit the island in January, leading to a clear-up effort that took several days.

At the time the department said it had been dealing with up to 30 blocked roads at one time during the peak of the storm, which resulted in a major incident being declared.

The department said people who own land with trees lining public roads were responsible for removing dead or diseased trees, preventing them from blocking signs, lights or drainage, and clearing away fallen leaves or fruit.

Branches should be kept trimmed to at least 5.3m (17.4ft) above roads and 2.4m (8ft) above footways, the department has advised.

Landowners have also been reminded to make sure that any actions taken are in line with the permit requirements of the Tree Preservation Act 1993, which covers the pruning, lopping or felling of trees over a certain size.

Haywood said people "must act when they suspect something is wrong".

She added: "Now is the time to act to keep pedestrians and vehicles safe and to avoid a fine."