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Trees and planting can improve the visual and environmental amenities of an area. However, they can also cause problems for people with mobility difficulties if they are not sited and maintained correctly. Certain species have shallow, wide-spreading roots which can lift and damage the footway, causing an uneven surface underfoot. Where possible, trees should be sited within grassed verge areas.
Before planting trees or shrubs in or adjacent to a footway or footpath, or
within a pedestrianised area, it is recommended that specialist advice should
be sought on the selection of suitable species, for example smallleafed
or erect-growing ones, and their locations. It is important to consider the
possible slipping hazards caused by fallen leaves or berries, and to minimise
this by carefully selecting tree and plant species.
Where trees are planted adjacent to but not within the highway, their owner
must ensure that they do not obstruct free passage or obscure street lighting.
If the owner fails to carry out proper maintenance and an
obstruction occurs the highway authority may serve notice on the owner requiring
the necessary work to be undertaken within a reasonable specified time scale.
If the owner disregards the notice the highway
authority may carry out the work and recharge the owner.
Landscaping on or adjacent to the highway should be within clearly defined
areas off the normal line of pedestrian movements. Such areas can be defined
by a change in surface, a raised kerb, a barrier, or a
combination of any of these.
A border of grass is a safe surface to show the existence of landscaping or
trees. This should be at least 600mm wide with all plants and shrubs planted
a sufficient distance behind the border to allow for growth.
A border of soft earth is not acceptable as this could form a trap for small
wheels, sticks, etc.
A raised kerb will serve as an indicator to cane users but it will only be
effective if the growth is maintained within the confines of the kerb.
Barriers, if used alone, should include a lower rail no higher than 300mm above
ground level to assist cane users. Colour contrasting or banding should also
be considered to aid partially sighted people.
Trees and other planting should not reduce the footway passage width below
2000mm. Shrubs planted alongside the footway must be planted far enough away
so as not to encroach onto the footway when mature.
Street lighting, including pedestrian crossing lights and beacons, should not
be obscured. Sightlines and signs should be kept clear.
Overhanging branches should not encroach onto the footway. Overhead projections
should have a minimum clearance of 2500mm above ground level. Tree branches
should be trimmed to at least 3000mm clear height
above a footway to allow for re-growth between maintenance visits.
Trees and planting should be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure that
they do not present a danger to pedestrians.
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