Farmers and landowners advised to check state of trees after gales

Farmers and landowners advised to check state of trees after gales

Farmers and landowners are being advised to check the condition of trees by the roadside and in public places following the recent gales.

The CLA, which represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural business in the region, is warning its members there could be a claim for damages if a tree or a large branch falls in a public place.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn, said: “Liability for damage or injury caused by fallen trees and branches depends on whether the owner knew, or should have known, that the tree was likely to fall.

“We are advising our members to inspect their roadside trees as soon as possible and keep a written record of the inspections to demonstrate due care and diligence in the unfortunate event of an accident.

“Being able to prove that proper care has been taken would also reduce the risk of facing Council charges for clearing fallen timber from the public highway.”

CLA members wanting further information on tree inspection should contact the CLA North regional office on: 01748 907070 or email: north@cla.org.uk