COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 09, 2015

QUESTION NO. 31

QUESTION: Councillor F. Warfield

To ask the Chief Executive what is the Council's post tree removal policy. Is any later action taken to address unsightly and unsafe tree stumps following a tree removal?

REPLY:

When a tree is felled by the Council, it is not always possible to remove the stump immediately. Stump removal may be delayed for up to 6 months after tree removal. Under these circumstances, a short tree is left in place as a temporary measure. The stump is usually left at around 1m high so that it does not constitute a trip hazard in the intervening period. Tree stump removal is normally undertaken by a dedicated tree stump removal crew during the winter months between November and February, or may be done when there is a sufficient number for their removal to be economically efficient.

Tree stumps for removal are identified and listed as part of the Council's annual Tree Maintenance Programme.  Where a tree is removed and a stump is left behind temporarily, the location is added to the Tree Maintenance Programme for removal of the stump at the earliest opportunity.