Local Tallaght Councillor Charlie O’Conor recently asked the following at the South Dublin County Council (SDCC) area committee meeting “To ask the Chief Executive if he is aware of the concerns being expressed regarding the problems being created by Crab Apple Trees particularly when the fallen apples pose danger especially for pedestrians; will he detail actions he will take and make a statement?”
SDCC confirmed the following; “The Council’s Tree Management Policy – Living with Trees states that the Council will not fell or prune Council owned trees solely to alleviate problems caused by natural and/or seasonal phenomena such as fruit / berries, nuts or blossom which are legally outside their control. Problems caused by falling fruit, berries, nuts or blossom are natural and seasonal occurrences and not something the Irish legal system recognises as a ‘legal nuisance’. Whilst they are judged a relatively minor inconvenience when considering the many benefits of having trees within an urban environment. Fruit trees such as apple, cherry and pear are welcomed in many locations for having the double benefit of spring blossom and autumn fruit. This makes fruit trees good for wildlife and a source of free food. However, where fallen fruit is leading to a significant anti-social behaviour problems the Council will consider measures to reduce the problem including whether a phased removal and replacement with alternative species is reasonable”.
