Grass cutting

SMBC cut the grass on highway verges, and in our parks, open spaces, and communal gardens approximately every 12 working days between March and the end of October. However, this can change depending on the weather.

 
Hedge and shrub maintenance

Hedges and shrubs are cut annually between November and the end of March but this depends on the weather. Outside of the maintenance cycle SMBC will only cut back a hedge or shrub if it is causing an obstruction or affecting the visibility of the road (this does not include hedge height). SCH will respond to hedges that are obstructing the access way for residents. Where vegetation growth is limiting the use of a path to such an extent that creates a hazard forcing a pedestrian off the path action will be taken. Where a hedge or shrub is growing naturally and looks unmanaged but is not directly causing issues to access then this is unlikely to be responded to.

 

Trees

SCH has the responsibility for the management of trees on land it manages on behalf of SMBC. The SMBC Forestry Service will inspect a tree and provide advice and guidance to SCH about how trees should be managed and recommends works to maintain the health and safety of the tree.

Reasons we would not work on a tree are:

  • to stop leaves falling on the ground. We do not prune or cutdown council owned trees to prevent leaves or to clear leaves from properties – this is a natural process in autumn and trimming trees will not prevent it.
  • to cut them back to increase light to a property. We do not prune or cut down council owned trees to improve natural light, including for solar panels
  • to reduce the height of tall trees if they seem overgrown. This type of work could potentially damage the tree long term and cause further issues
  • due to honeydew or sap; this is a natural substance that does not damage cars
  • we do not prune for fallen fruit, berries, nuts, or seeds from council trees.We also have no policy to remove trees with poisonous fruit or foliage (such as yew trees), however where it is suspected to be a risk we will investigate
  • due to birds nesting, roosting, or fouling. Nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (and other related wildlife law)
  • due to the TV signal being blocked. Trees only get pruned if overhead cables are taught. If you are affected by a poor signal, you should speak to your provider
  • for help due to pollens and allergens

 

Reasons we do work on trees:

  • they are damaged and present a risk from falling branches
  • they are growing in a way that branches are likely to touch a property
  • they are damaging pathways to an extent, causing the surface to become uneven and a tripping risk
  • we have taken advice from SMBC tree officers and, where resources permit, follow recommendations received regarding the management of trees across SCH managed land

If your issue is something that comes under the work that can be carried out, please call us on 0121 717 1515

 

Weed clearance

As part of the grounds maintenance contract, SMBC weeds on communal land managed by SCH are sprayed three times a year. The timing of this will be subject to weather as the most effective treatment needs to be during a dry period.

 

Leaf clearance

Each year during late autumn and early winter, SMBC clear a large number of leaves that fall from trees. The main sweeping schedule takes place from November to January, but this can change due to the weather conditions.

 

Alleyways

In some areas there are alleyways behind and between rows of properties. The clearance of this is the responsibility of SMBC and there can be a number of reasons why access is not possible. Where rubbish has been regularly dumped making alleyways unusable this is treated as fly tipping.

Unless there is an immediate risk to residents this is likely to be treated as a low priority for clearance by SMBC due to the limited impact of the problem.

If an otherwise accessible alleyway is subject to an immediate problem relating to items such as a damaged tree or isolated fly tipping this may be responded to by SCH/SMBC where the danger is removed allowing for the ongoing use of the alleyway.

Where there is significant growth of vegetation this is an indicator that the alleyway is not in regular use and any response will fit within the usual delivery of service for responding to hedges and shrubs. During estate inspections conducted by SCH the condition of alleyways is part of the issues looked at, with problems reported and where resources permit action taken.

 

Ivy

An ongoing issue is where Ivy gets established either against the wall of a property or along a fence. This has the potential to cause damage to the surface it is growing on and even through the weight of the plant itself. SCH is proactive in tackling ivy when it becomes a concern.

When maintained properly ivy can be a feature of a garden and can be managed as part of an ongoing garden maintenance plan carried out by a resident. However, where the ivy is not being maintained then action is needed to prevent it from being destructive to structures, for example, fascia boards, roof tiles and other structures.