The arboricultural programme for 2013 was presented to the Lucan Area Committee on 18th December 2012.

The Programme is again focused on tree maintenance works, in order to make best use of the available resources. As the focus of the programme is primarily on tree pruning and removals, new planting are only being considered in a very limited number of circumstances, e.g. National Tree Week 2012. Tree maintenance works include:

· Tree pruning

· Tree removal

· Stump removal

· Hedge cutting

· Shrubbery maintenance

In relation to trees, priority is being given to trees in the following categories:

·         Dead and damaged trees.

·         Trees in very close proximity to public lighting columns (less than 1.8m).

·         Trees associated with lifting footpaths.

·         Trees in conflict with overhead utility cables

Aside from these categories, works will be carried out to trees only where they are considered to be consistent with good arboricultural practice. Examples of this would be crown lifting (removal of lower branches), crown thinning (reducing the weight of large trees), pruning to deal with weak branch junctions, pruning to improve the shape of the tree and removal of suckers.

The table below sets out the update on the programme of works and works completed to date. It is divided into 5 sections as follows:

·         Estate Pruning

·         Open Space/Shrubberies work

·         Hedgerow Work

·         Individual Work

·         Tree Removals

Estate Pruning

Open Space/Shrubberies work

Hedgerow Work

Individual Trees

Tree Removals

In relation to the trees on Kennelsfort Road it is important to note that the focus of the arboricultural programme is primarily on tree pruning and removals.  New planting are only being considered in a very limited number of circumstances.  While it is the Councils intention to replace the trees that have failed at this location, the works are subject to the availability of the necessary resources required to undertake the works.