The pruning of tall trees is not just an aesthetic task. It is a matter of public safety, legal liability, and, especially in the case of plane trees, a matter of survival for the ecosystem itself.
Many land owners and agency managers are unaware that an unkempt, over-aged, or dangerous tree can lead to serious accidents, property damage, and heavy civil or criminal penalties. At the same time, ignorance regarding the new sanitary provisions for the pruning of plane trees can cause the total destruction of century-old trees by canker stain.
In this article, we clarify the landscape regarding pruning legislation, safety, and the strict specifications required.
Safety and Legal Liability: Who pays for the damage?
A broken branch falling on a passing vehicle or, worse, a pedestrian, creates immediate legal liability. According to current legislation and case law, pruning safety and tree maintenance are the obligation of the owner or the management body.
- For Municipalities: Local Authorities have an obligation to maintain and prune trees in public spaces and road networks. If an accident is caused by a falling tree (even in bad weather), the Municipality bears liability for compensation, as the fall is not always considered “force majeure” if preventive measures have not been taken.
- For Private Individuals: If a tree is located on private land and its branches protrude into the street or a neighboring property, the owner is responsible. The law gives the right even to the Municipality to intervene ex officio to remove the danger, possibly charging the expense.
Legislation for Pruning on Private Land (Outside Settlements)
Now, the process for cleaning and pruning on private lands (olive groves, gardens, plots) outside settlement boundaries has been significantly simplified, aiming at fire protection and accident prevention.
According to recent regulations (2021), for trees that are diseased, over-aged, or have taken a dangerous lean:
- The citizen submits a request/notification to the Forest Authority (even electronically).
- If the service does not respond within 20 days, it is considered to consent tacitly.
- The citizen can proceed immediately with the works, without the bureaucratic hassle of previous years.
Plane Tree Pruning: Red Alert for Canker Stain
The most critical category in pruning tall trees concerns plane trees (Platanus spp.). Our country is in a state of quarantine due to the fungus Ceratocystis platani (canker stain), an incurable disease that kills trees and is transmitted rapidly through pruning tools.
The Joint Ministerial Decision (2023) is clear and strict. Every job on plane trees requires:
- Disinfection of Tools: Chainsaws and cutting tools must be thoroughly disinfected with approved chemical substances before and after pruning healthy plane trees. A contaminated saw can “kill” an entire cluster of healthy plane trees.
- Prohibition of Timber Movement: The transport of plane tree timber is prohibited without a special permit and sanitary treatment, to avoid the spread of the pathogen.
- Inspection: Macroscopic inspection for symptoms of the disease is required before the intervention.
Caution: Assigning plane tree pruning to crews that ignore strict sanitary protocols and legislation can lead to ecosystem destruction and legal penalties for the owner.
Equipment & Certifications: Why a chainsaw is not enough
Pruning at great heights requires specialization. Using a simple ladder or amateur climbing can very easily, unfortunately, cause an accident.
A professional crew possesses:
- Basket trucks (Cranes): For safe access to the highest and most inaccessible points, without injuring the tree trunk.
- Certified arborists/climbers: Specialized personnel with special climbing equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), trained to operate chainsaws at height.
- Special tools: Telescopic pruners and precision chainsaws for clean cuts that heal quickly.
Ensogreen: Responsible Tall Tree Management
At Ensogreen, we treat the pruning of tall trees with the seriousness required by legislation and agronomic science.
- We Know the Legislation: We undertake guidance for the necessary permits from Forestry Offices or Municipalities.
- We Observe Sanitary Protocols: We apply strict tool disinfection, especially for the protection of plane trees.
- We Possess the Equipment: We use modern basket trucks and certified personnel for maximum safety and speed.
Do not wait for the next bad weather to evaluate the dangerousness of your trees.
Do you have tall trees that need evaluation or pruning? Contact us for an inspection and we will undertake the safe and legal execution of the works.