Roadside hedges and trees

Landowners and occupiers of land along public roads are obliged to ensure that roadside hedges and trees do not present a hazard or obstruction to road users. Landowners and occupiers must take all necessary care to ensure these structures on their land are not (or could not become) a danger to those using a public road or carrying out maintenance or improvement works on a public road.

This is in line with Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993.

What do landowners and occupiers need to do?

Hedgerows along public roads that require cutting or trimming back should be cut immediately and all cuttings removed from roads and verges.

Overhanging vegetation in urban areas should be cut back from footpaths and at junctions.

Dead and unsafe trees on the roadside are especially dangerous and should be removed immediately. Landowners are responsible for the cost of removing fallen trees from public roads.

Professional advice on the condition of roadside trees should be obtained from time to time.

Hedge Cutting Notices

Sligo County Council may serve a ‘Hedge Cutting Notice’ on those who do not carry out these obligations and may prosecute those who fail to comply with these notices.

Sligo County Council can take action where it is considered that a hazard exists and seek the cost from landowners where the Council have to carry out work.

Hedge Cutting Season

The above hedge-cutting takes place to improve road safety by ensuring roadside hedges and trees do not present a hazard or obstruction to road users.

Hedge-cutting for reasons other than road safety must take place during the hedge-cutting season. The current hedge-cutting seasons started on Sunday, 1 September 2024. From this date, hedge and verge cutting can take place until the end of the season on Friday, 28 February 2025.

The dates are set out to avoid harming wildlife and are in line with Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, incorporating Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.

Contact Us

If you know of any hazard or safety issue, contact Sligo County Council by email to roadsgeneral@sligococo.ie