Beware trees

REGARDING Storm Ophelia and the toll of fallen trees, if the trees are on public land then the council has the responsibility.

However, if they are on private land then the landowner is responsible for any damage they might cause.

Proper pruning would eliminate the need for removal.

Some of these trees will be decades old and would have endured severe storms in their lifetime, so all they need is a helping hand by removing or cutting back some of the branches or foliage, to reduce the effect strong winds can have on the trees.

The councils do need to do a survey of their areas of responsibility in this regard but the councils also need to issue a directive to landowners telling them they need to carry out a survey of their property near public roads and to take any corrective action that needs to be taken.

John Fair, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.