Message Board - Health & Safety: Hanging broken branches from the wind

Hi, I have several small branches that have been broken in these high winds. They are still attached to the trees. I have seen similar breaks on a tree continue to grow and firm up, so you end up with a kind of kinked branch.

But should i get them removed on the grounds of safety? They are pretty high up, but no one except me goes down to the bottom of the garden where they are.

I'm afraid it may cost a lot to cut them off when they may not actually pose a threat to safety. What opinions do you have about this?

Any branch that has been broken but is still hanging in the canopy of a tree, even if it is still attached to the tree, presents a potential hazard to anyone who may be underneath the tree or adjacent to it.

If you are not able to remove the branches yourself, I would advise that you get someone who is competent to remove the broken limbs so I would. Whether it be a neighbour, family member or tree surgeon, it is better to be safe than sorry.

If you know someone with a pole lopping saw you could get the branches down yourself. These saws are a small chainsaw on an extending pole. Just make sure you are cutting the branches from one side, and not directly above your head, otherwise you will have the branch land on top of you. I know this sounds obvious, but I have seen it happen with my own eyes, people switch off their common sense and need for self preservation when they get hold of a chainsaw.

If in doubt always call a professional in. You may think it is only a small branch in your back garden, but you have admited to it being a potential hazard, and as such you need to show that you have taken the appropriate steps to rectify the potential hazard.

Many people don't realise that they are responsible for the condition of their trees, and if any hazards like broken branches are seen, they have to take appropriate steps to prevent any future accident or injury happening to someone.