With the wet and windy weather landowners are being advised to check on their trees to make sure they don’t pose a hazard.

Owners have a legal responsibility to make sure trees which border public areas, such as roads and schools, are in a safe condition.  

It is essential that trees growing adjacent to the highway are inspected regularly, explained Matthew Odgers-Brown, Cornwall Council’s Tree Safety Officer. He said: ‘Dead trees, broken hanging branches and trees affected by decay fungi represent a potentially serious hazard to motorists and other road users.

‘If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to carry out any work. It is outside the nesting period and, with trees having shed their leaves, it is easier to see deadwood and any decay.’

The Council has powers under the Highway Act to ensure tree owners make their trees safe if they are a threat to the highway, explained Councillor Sue James, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and public protection.

She said: ‘While we have the option of legal action, we would much rather landowners took preventative measures and avoid a potentially serious incident.’