Cork City Council Tree Strategy

CHAPTER 4 PUBLIC TREE MANAGEMENT While planting new trees is often the first thing that comes to mind in respect of a tree strategy, ensuring that existing trees are well maintained and healthy is a foundational first step.

[4.1] Overview of Public Management Strategy Cork City Council will:

• Follow agreed public tree management policies and standards • Develop a baseline inventory of publicly managed trees • Establish Strategic Annual Tree Works and Planting Programmes • Take a balanced and proportionate approach to risk management in relation to trees • Remove trees only in specific circumstances • Identify and address the impacts of pests and disease [4.2] Public Arboricultural Management Standards Arboricultural works to public-owned trees are the responsibility of multiple directorates and sections within Cork City Council. To provide consistency, efficiency, and professionalism of tree management, all tree management of Cork City Council-owned trees will be carried out in accordance with Cork City Council Public Tree Care Policies and Management Standards, as set out in Appendix 1 of this Strategy.

INTERNAL POLICY 1: Any work to Cork City Council owned trees will be carried out in accordance with details set out in Cork City Council Public Tree Care Policies and Management Standards.

[4.3] Tree Inventory and Data Tracking System Cork City Council currently has limited records in relation to City Council-owned trees. Similar to human medical records, having details of a tree’s species, health, age, and other factors can help systemically plan for trees’ preventative and proactive care. Information such as species and age diversity also provide strategic guidance for new tree planting. Developing a tree inventory is a foundational step towards a Strategic Tree Works and Planting Programme.

ACTION 3. Procure a GIS-based tree management system and develop a baseline inventory of Cork City Council-owned trees.

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[ Cork City Council - Tree Strategy ]

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