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THE CHAINSAW MASSACRE
If you are fortunate enough to have the odd tree on your land then read on. Given that many of you will be paid not to farm but rather to create a wonderful environment for us all to enjoy (as if you didn't already) you need to be aware that you need to look after your trees. As you may be planting one or two of these, as a part of your carbon neutrality pact, then you need to be aware that, as a Landowner, you are responsible to make sure that any folk on your land or on neighbouring property are safe from personal injury or damage to their possessions from the said trees. This includes situations where they use roads or paths that go through your land and can include damage from roots to drains and other services. Of course, the situation is less clear should one of your trees fall upon an unfortunate fly-tipper who might be dumping flotsam on your land - see my other article on this subject.
One of the things I tell many a customer is to ensure their public liability insurance is in place and adequate - please check this now because damages for personal injury can be high.
Once again, prevention is the key and I would suggest a scorched earth policy by clearing your woodlands completely thereby totally eradicating risk - only joking. Seriously, there is no more glorious a sight than our native trees in full leaf or covered in a hoar frost in winter.
So, inspect your land regularly particularly areas of greatest risk, such as roadside trees, and ensure any folk you use for maintenance and management are qualified and insured. If you are planning to or carry out work, make sure you keep records and notes and don't forget to pay attention to potential damage from ground subsidence.
Remember that, as a Landowner, you need to manage risk on your land. Whether it's from the effects of falling trees or branches or damage from roots you could be for the chop if someone is injured or their property damaged.
Anyway, time to go - my flamethrower has just been delivered.
Useful link - www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
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