Prohibited, precautionary and permitted zones
PROHIBITED ZONE – 1 m from trunk.
Excavations of any kind must not be undertaken within this zone unless full consultation with a highway authority tree officer is undertaken. Materials, plant and spoil must not be stored within this zone.
PRECAUTIONARY ZONE – beneath canopy or branch spread.
Mechanical plant should not be used when excavating in this zone. Precautions should be undertaken to protect any exposed roots. Materials, plant and spoil should not be stored within this zone. Consult with the highway authority tree officer if in any doubt.
PERMITTED ZONE – outside of precautionary zone.
Excavation in this zone must be done with caution and the use of mechanical plant should be limited. Any exposed roots should be protected.
Precautions during excavation and reinstatement
- THE PROHIBITED ZONE
Don’t excavate within this zone.
Don’t use any form of mechanical plant within this zone.
Don’t store materials, plant or equipment within this zone.
Don’t move plant or vehicles within this zone.
Don’t lean materials against, or chain plant to, the trunk.
Do contact the highway authority tree officer or owner of the tree if excavation within this zone is unavoidable.
Do protect any exposed roots uncovered within this zone with dry sacking.
Do backfill with a suitable inert granular and top soil material mix as soon as possible on completion of works.
Do notify the highway authority tree officer or the tree’s owner of any damage. - THE PRECAUTIONARY ZONE
Don’t excavate with machinery. Where excavation is unavoidable within this zone excavate only by hand or use trenchless techniques.
Don’t cut roots over 25 mm in diameter, unless advice has been sought from the highway authority tree officer.
Don’t repeatedly move/use heavy mechanical plant except on hard standing.
Don’t store spoil or building material, including chemicals and fuels, within this zone.
Do prune roots that have to be removed with a sharp tool (e.g. secateurs or handsaw). Make a clean cut and leave as small a wound as possible.
Do backfill the trench with an inert granular material and top soil mix. Compact the backfill with care around the retained roots. On non-highway sites backfill only with excavated soil.
Do protect any exposed roots with dry sacking, ensuring it is removed before backfilling.
Do notify the highway authority tree officer or the tree’s owner of any damage. - THE PERMITTED ZONE
Don’t cut roots over 25 mm in diameter unless advice has been sought from the highway authority tree officer.
Do use caution if it is necessary to operate mechanical plant within this zone.
Do prune roots which have to be removed with a sharp tool (e.g. secateurs or handsaw). Make a clean cut and leave as small a wound as possible.
Do protect any exposed roots with dry sacking, ensuring it is removed before backfilling.
Do notify the highway authority tree officer or the tree’s owner of any damage.
