I've been in touch with the council about the state of trees near our house - the council have their work cut out it seems. they grade trees depending on the state they are in - i.e very overgrown or dying - grade 1. those that need shaping or reduction are grade 3. Grade 3 work doesn't start until april 2009 at earliest.

As such, whilst no one wants to see trees cut down, looks like the council have so much work on that more trees may become susceptible to disease and thus end up being cut down because work to protect them can't be done quickly enough.

best to speak to local councillor who can advise from envirocall what status of trees are in a particular area.