Landowners across the north-east are being encouraged to inspect trees that lie near roads or pavements.
With the increased threat of high winds during autumn and winter, Aberdeenshire Council is urging residents, farmers and others to prune back overhanging branches and remove rotten or unstable trees before they fall.
As well as posing a serious threat to passing pedestrians and traffic, falling trees can also cause significant and costly damage to walls, signs and road infrastructure.
The council’s head of roads, landscape and waste services, Philip McKay said: “As a responsible local authority, our priority in managing trees belonging to the council is public safety.
“Where we identify a hazard to either people or property then we will take the appropriate action to render the tree safe.
“It is vital that landowners follow our example and routinely inspect their trees for signs of disease, damage or instability.”
Before carrying out any tree work, landowners should check whether a tree is subject to a tree protection order, a condition of planning consent, or in a conservation area.
