Trees come down in high winds as district braces for Storm Eunice

Several trees have come down in high winds across Three Rivers. Now residents are being urged to report any trees that appear damaged or dangerous as the district braces itself for Storm Eunice.

Three Rivers District Council tree officers have been out across the district today inspecting storm damage following high winds on Wednesday night. Fallen trees at Leavesden Country Park, King George V Playing Fields, Mill End, and Solomons Wood, Chorleywood are being dealt with.

A fallen Horse Chestnut at Leavesden Country Park, which blocked the access road off College Road, was cleared by the council’s grounds maintenance team.

The council’s Principal Tree and Landscape Officer, Alex Laurie, said: “We regularly check all trees on council land across the district to ensure they are in the best possible condition to withstand high winds – but freak storms like this will always test the weakest trees and can cause damage. We are urging members of the public to be aware ahead of the next storm, Storm Eunice, and to report any damage they see to council trees as soon as possible.”

Work is underway to remove remaining damaged and fallen trees.

The council conducted a full safety inspection of its trees in summer 2021 – and carried out urgent safety work on those which most needed attention. The council will also carry out inspections of its trees on request.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, the council leader, said: “We thank members of the public who have already reported storm damaged trees to the council and we are working quickly to have those cleared up, but we know that there are more high winds to come. That is why we are urging residents to stay vigilant and to look out for more tree damage – please do report anything they see on district council land to us.”

Residents should report any damage to trees on council property by calling 01923 776611.

Trees obstructing roads in the district should be reported to Hertfordshire Highways on 0300 123 4047. Rivers blocked by a fallen tree should be reported to the landowner and Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.

Any urgent or highly dangerous situations should be reported to the police on 999.

Anyone who has a tree damaged by high winds on their own property should contact a reputable tree surgeon.  Contact details can be found on the Arboricultural Association’s website at: https://www.trees.org.uk/ARB-Approved-Contractor-Directory

The Met Office  warned Storm Eunice could bring gusts of up to 90mph on Friday, causing significant disruption. A warning of severe weather has been issued for London and South East England.