How Ireland’s Trees Are Protected: The Role of Tree Surgery and Arboriculture

Tree Cover in Ireland: National and Local Statistics

Notably, Ireland’s tree canopy cover remains one of the lowest in Europe in percentage terms. In 2021 Ireland’s nationwide tree canopy cover was estimated at only 12%, compared to an EU average around 35%. Canopy cover varies widely by region. Leitrim, a county known for its forestry, has the highest forest cover at 20.1% of land area, while several midland counties have much lower percentages. At the city level, Dublin’s urban tree canopy is roughly 10%, and Cork City – which counts over 310,000 trees and 1,400 km of hedgerows within its bounds – has about 13% tree canopy cover as of 2021. These figures are modest by international standards, and Irish cities are actively planning to increase them. For example, Cork’s development plan has set objectives to expand tree planting and green infrastructure in coming years.

Table 1: Key Tree Cover Statistics in Ireland

As shown above, Ireland’s forest estate is growing – up from about 697,000 ha in 2006 to 808,800 ha in 2022 – and includes a mix of public and private woodlands. Large quantities of deadwood (over 10 million cubic meters in forests) are present, reflecting more ecologically friendly management that leaves some fallen or dead timber as habitat. Urban areas, while still relatively low in canopy cover, host tens of thousands of street trees – for instance, Dublin City Council maintains over 60,000 street trees and plants roughly 5,000 new ones annually to increase urban greening. Cork City’s first Tree Strategy (adopted 2024) likewise sets out actions to retain existing trees and plant more, aiming to boost its canopy above the current 13%.

These statistics underscore both the challenges and progress in Ireland’s tree cover. Increasing tree density – especially in cities and farming landscapes – is a national goal for climate and biodiversity. Achieving it requires careful maintenance of existing trees and strategic planting of new ones, which is where professional arboriculture plays a crucial role.

Volume of Arboricultural Work and Tree Health Interventions

Caring for Ireland’s trees is an enormous ongoing task. Each year, thousands of tree-health interventions are carried out by local authorities and private contractors to prune trees, remove dangerous or diseased ones, and plant replacements. For example, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) reported that in the first nine months of 2020, 1,216 trees were pruned and 310 hazardous trees removed, despite work delays due to COVID-19 – and nearly 1,000 new trees were planted in that period. SDCC anticipated reaching a target of 4,000 public trees pruned or removed in that year as part of its tree management program. This is just one county; across the Greater Dublin region and other counties, similar numbers of interventions occur annually to keep the urban forest safe and healthy.

Case studies from Cork City show a comparable scale of activity. In 2020, Cork City Council faced some criticism for tree removals in certain areas, but it disclosed that more trees were planted than removed that year. Between January 1 and September 30, 2020, the council had removed 203 trees (mostly dead or diseased) and undertook additional storm-related cutting on 189 trees after a severe storm, but at the same time it planted 345 semi-mature replacement trees in the spring and planned another 500 trees by year’s end. In other words, for every tree removed due to safety or health reasons, multiple new trees were being established. Dublin City Council likewise plants on the order of 5,000 trees yearly to expand its canopy, far outpacing the removals which are generally limited to trees that are dead, dangerous, or causing unacceptable risk.

Much of arborists’ routine work involves preventative maintenance: pruning out deadwood, trimming branches away from roads and powerlines, and monitoring tree health to address issues early. Removing accumulated deadwood is a common task – in managed parks or along streets, large dead branches are pruned out to eliminate fall hazards. However, in wilder parks and forest settings, completely removing deadwood is no longer standard practice; instead, managers try to strike a balance by leaving some dead logs or standing snags in place where they don’t pose a danger, as these provide rich habitat for fungi, insects, and birds. The national forest inventory confirms that Irish forests now contain over 10 million m³ of deadwood left on site, which is beneficial for biodiversity. In urban greenspaces, councils may leave felled tree trunks in corners as “ecology logs” or create wood piles to support wildlife, while still ensuring that dead trees near trails or roads are made safe.

Below is a summary of typical annual arboricultural activities in an Irish city or county:

• Tree inspections – Thousands of public trees are surveyed each year for health and safety (e.g. SDCC surveyed ~2,900 trees in a nine-month span). Qualified arborists assess each tree’s condition.

• Pruning (“tree surgery”) – Dead or weak branches are removed, crowns are thinned or reduced when necessary, and young trees are formatively pruned. Large-scale pruning programs operate on multi-year cycles by area.

• Tree removals – Only carried out when unavoidable. Common reasons are advanced disease (such as Dutch elm disease), storm damage, or structural instability posing a safety risk. Each removal on public land in Ireland is only done after inspection and a professional recommendation by a certified arborist. Even then, removal is often accompanied by planting a new tree nearby as mitigation.

• Tree planting – Thousands of new trees (from whips to semi-mature specimens) are planted annually through both council programs and community initiatives. For instance, Dublin City’s programs and partnerships plant ~5k trees/year, and Cork City had plans to plant 1,000 trees over five years with support from local business groups.

• Storm response and emergency work – After major storms, arborists are on call to clear fallen trees and limbs. For example, Storm Ellen (Aug 2020) in Cork required heavy pruning or removal of 189 damaged trees for public safetyirishexaminer.com. Regular pruning regimes by councils also aim to reduce the likelihood of storm breakage by managing tree structure.

This high volume of work underscores the importance of skilled tree surgeons and arborists in every county. Without their interventions, trees in densely populated areas could become hazardous or succumb to pests and diseases unchecked. Through ongoing maintenance, Ireland’s arboriculture professionals keep the nation’s trees both safe and thriving.

Tree Surgery and Public Safety

One of the most immediate roles of tree surgery is protecting public safety. Large trees in urban and suburban settings need periodic care to prevent dangerous situations – dead limbs over a roadway, storm-weakened trees near homes, or overgrown branches interfering with power lines all pose risks. Arborists mitigate these hazards through techniques like deadwooding (removing dead branches), crown reduction or bracing of weak trees, and timely removal of trees that are too far gone to save. This work is often proactive: local authorities operate cyclical pruning programs to attend to trees before they fail. For example, South Dublin County Council runs a rolling three-year Tree Maintenance Programme inspecting estates and streets in rotation. Through such programs, issues are identified early and dealt with systematically, rather than reacting only after accidents occur.

When emergencies do arise – such as a tree split by lightning or a limb brought down by high winds – certified tree surgeons are called in to make the situation safe. They have the expertise and equipment to remove hanging branches or fallen trees without further damage to property or injury to people. Ireland experiences frequent winter storms, and arborists note that reactive and emergency works take priority over scheduled maintenance during these times. In the first nine months of 2020 alone, six storms hit Ireland, and council tree crews along with private contractors responded to each, clearing roads and securing damaged trees. Their swift actions restore safety and normalcy to communities in the aftermath of extreme weather.

It’s important to note that tree surgery for safety is done with a balanced approach – removal is a last resort. Councils and tree officers only fell a tree if an inspection by a qualified arborist concludes there is no other safe option. Whenever possible, less drastic measures (like pruning, cabling, or reducing the crown) are used to preserve the tree while eliminating immediate hazards. This careful decision process, backed by professional assessment, ensures that Ireland’s commitment to safety does not come at the expense of unnecessary tree loss.

Beyond preventing accidents, routine arboricultural upkeep also contributes to public health and comfort. Pruned and well-maintained trees are less likely to drop debris or obscure streetlights and traffic signs. Managing roadside trees improves visibility for drivers. In parks, removing deadwood or dangerous trees keeps walking paths safe for visitors. All these efforts by tree surgeons create safer, more welcoming public spaces.

Supporting Biodiversity and Climate Resilience through Arboriculture

Tree surgery and arboriculture are not only about removing risks – they are also essential for enhancing the environmental benefits that trees provide. Healthy, well-managed trees deliver outsized gains for biodiversity and climate resilience, and arborists play a key role in maximizing these gains in both rural woodlands and urban areas.

Biodiversity: Standing trees and even deadwood are habitats for countless species. By keeping trees healthy, arborists ensure that these living habitats persist. For example, pruning to treat a fungal infection or combat a pest outbreak can save a mature oak that hosts birds, bats, and insects. In forests, leaving cut branches or creating “habitat piles” of wood supports beetles and fungi, which in turn feed birds and other wildlife. Ireland’s forestry practices have increasingly recognized this – the presence of 10.2 million m³ of deadwood in our forests indicates a shift towards accommodating natural processes and wildlife needs. Arborists often decide, when pruning, to leave a snag or cavity that poses no danger, precisely because it could become a nest site or shelter for small creatures.

In urban settings, arboriculture contributes to biodiversity by diversifying the urban forest (planting a range of native and flowering species that support pollinators) and by connecting green corridors. A good example comes from Galway City, where the council used an advanced National Tree Map and connectivity modelling to identify critical hedgerows and treelines that allow wildlife – particularly the endangered lesser horseshoe bat – to move through the city. Protecting and managing these linear tree features (through measures like sensitive pruning at the right season, and replacing lost trees) is crucial to maintaining habitat connectivity. Arborists advise on such practices, ensuring that necessary tree works do not inadvertently fragment important habitats. In Galway’s case, data-driven tree management is directly informing the city’s Green Network plan to safeguard ecological corridors and “stepping stone” patches for wildlife.

Furthermore, arborists are increasingly aware of timing their activities to avoid disturbing wildlife. For instance, routine tree trimming is generally avoided during the bird nesting season (March 1st to August 31st) in line with the Wildlife Acts. Such considerations illustrate how modern tree care integrates biodiversity protection into everyday operations.

Climate Resilience: Trees are front-line defenders against climate change impacts. They moderate temperatures (through shade and evapotranspiration), buffer strong winds, absorb heavy rainfall, and sequester carbon. Professional tree care helps ensure these services are sustained and enhanced. By pruning for structural strength, arborists reduce the likelihood that a tree will be blown over in storms – thus preserving its carbon storage and canopy cover longer. By selecting appropriate species for new plantings and using proper planting techniques, arborists increase the survival rate of young trees, directly contributing to canopy expansion needed for climate goals.

Healthy urban trees can significantly reduce urban heat and flooding. Research cited in Cork’s Tree Strategy notes that tree-lined streets can have up to 60% less dust and particulate pollution than streets without trees, and a medium-sized deciduous tree can intercept over 10,000 liters of rainfall per year, lessening runoff and flood risk. These benefits are particularly crucial as Ireland faces wetter winters and more intense downpours under climate change. By caring for trees through feeding, mulching, or soil decompaction, arborists can improve tree vitality so that each tree can perform these climate-mitigating functions optimally. In essence, tree surgeons are also climate resilience workers: every mature tree they preserve is a piece of green infrastructure providing cooling shade, windbreak protection, and water management.

Local initiatives underscore this link between arboriculture and climate adaptation. For example, Dublin’s climate action plan and many County Development Plans incorporate Green Infrastructure strategies that highlight tree planting and maintenance as key actions for climate adaptation. Cork City, as an EU “Mission City” committed to climate neutrality, explicitly includes tree planting and an urban Tree Management Programme in its Climate and Biodiversity plans. These policies translate into on-the-ground work for arborists: planting climate-resilient tree species in urban heat islands, pruning for healthy growth, and maybe even using techniques like subterranean root pit design to help trees withstand drought and waterlogging. All of this shows how arboriculture supports the broader environmental resilience of Irish communities.

In summary, through knowledgeable tree care, arborists help Ireland’s trees live longer, healthier lives – which in turn means richer biodiversity and stronger nature-based resilience to climate stresses.

Protecting Heritage Trees and Urban Tree Canopy

Ireland’s trees are not only important for ecology and climate – many are living monuments of cultural or historical significance. Protecting these heritage trees and maintaining overall urban canopy cover is a key part of arboriculture in Ireland.

Some trees have stood for centuries and are intertwined with local history and folklore. For instance, ancient yew trees, oaks, and other venerable specimens often carry stories or even legal protections. The Tree Council of Ireland, in partnership with the Irish Tree Society, maintains a Tree Register of Ireland documenting notable and champion trees across the country. As of today, over 11,000 special trees have been recorded in this database, each precisely mapped by GPS coordinates. These include trees of exceptional age, size, or rarity – essentially the nation’s arboreal heritage.

To safeguard such trees, arborists employ specialized care techniques. Crown support systems (like cabling or propping up heavy limbs) may be installed in an ancient oak to prevent breakage. Careful, minimal pruning is done to remove deadwood while preserving the tree’s natural shape and habitat value. Soil management around the root zone is also critical – many heritage trees in estates or parks suffer from soil compaction, so arborists might improve conditions by vertical mulching or restricted access around the root area. Every intervention is measured; the aim is to prolong the life of the tree for future generations to enjoy, without altering its character. As an example of careful intervention, consider that even when a heritage tree dies standing, authorities might leave its trunk in place if it’s safe to do so, allowing it to slowly decay naturally. This respects the tree’s life cycle and continues to benefit biodiversity.

Ireland’s legal framework offers tools for tree protection as well. Local authorities can designate Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) on trees or groups of trees of high amenity value. A TPO prohibits felling or damaging the tree without permission. In Dublin City, for example, a handful of significant trees and tree groups have had TPOs in place since the late 20th century – such as a stand of 67 Holm Oaks in Raheny protected in 1989, and several mature trees in Dartmouth Square Park protected in 2008. While TPOs are not extremely common, they signal the importance of particular trees to the community, and tree officers (who are often trained arborists) monitor those trees’ health closely. Development plans in many counties also list “Protected Trees” or require tree surveys before granting planning permission, ensuring that old trees on development sites are considered and, where possible, retained with adequate safeguarding measures.

Beyond individual heritage specimens, cities are concerned with their overall urban forest as a kind of collective heritage. Urban trees define the character of neighborhoods – think of Dublin’s Georgian squares with their London plane trees, or the lofty beeches in old university campuses. Maintaining this canopy legacy involves both protection and renewal. Arborists working for city councils try to retain mature trees during infrastructure projects whenever feasible, altering designs to avoid unnecessary removals. When trees must be removed, efforts are made to plant suitable large-growing species as replacements, to eventually fill the gap in canopy. Many cities also conduct community awareness programs about the value of old trees, encouraging residents to support their preservation.

A striking point is that in Cork City, it’s estimated that only 17% of the total tree canopy is on public land, with the vast majority on private or institutional lands (gardens, school campuses, farms, etc.). This means protecting urban trees is a shared responsibility. Certified arborists often advise private landowners, schools, and businesses on how to care for their notable trees. Programs like Heritage Tree designations or the Tree Council’s initiatives can provide recognition and guidance for preserving important trees on private property.

In short, Ireland’s approach to heritage trees combines formal protections (registers and orders) with practical arboriculture. Tree surgery in this context isn’t about cutting – it’s about gentle nurturing and smart interventions that keep a legacy tree standing strong. By doing so, arborists honor the historic and cultural significance of these giants, ensuring that Ireland’s leafy landmarks continue to grace the landscape and tell their stories.

The Professional Arborist: Training, Tools, and Certification

The complex tasks of protecting and caring for trees fall to Ireland’s professional arborists – often referred to as tree surgeons. These individuals are far more than chainsaw operators; they are trained specialists in tree biology, tree safety, and proper arboricultural techniques. Becoming a certified arborist in Ireland typically involves both formal education and rigorous practical training.

Training and Qualifications: In recent years, Ireland has established a formal Arboriculture Apprenticeship (Level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Arboriculture) to standardize training for tree care professionals. This two-year program, launched with the involvement of Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. Apprentices learn about tree identification, planting and pruning methods, pest and disease management, tree hazard assessment, and the use of arborist equipment. They also gain skills in ecology and modern tools, reflecting how the field is evolving with technology. Many apprentices come from related backgrounds like horticulture or forestry and choose to specialize in arboriculture, given the demand for skilled tree surgeons.

In addition to the apprenticeship route, there are various short courses and certifications available. Organizations and companies (such as KTC Safety or Teagasc) offer accredited training modules in chainsaw operation, tree climbing and aerial rescue, pruning standards, and utility tree trimming. Much of this training follows UK certification standards – for example, City & Guilds NPTC certificates for chainsaw use and tree climbing are widely recognized in Ireland.

A hallmark of professionalism in arboriculture is independent certification. Many arborists choose to become certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Earning the ISA Certified Arborist credential requires at least three years of practical experience and passing a comprehensive exam covering tree biology, safety, arboricultural techniques, and ethics. This certification is recognized worldwide as evidence of an arborist’s knowledge and commitment to industry best practices. Irish arborists also partake in the European Tree Worker or Arboricultural Association accreditation schemes, and some pursue higher education (diplomas or degrees in arboriculture or urban forestry).

Tools and Techniques: The day-to-day tools of a tree surgeon range from age-old to high-tech. On any given job, an arborist’s kit may include: chainsaws and handsaws for cutting, rope and harness systems for climbing (many arborists scale tall trees with advanced rope techniques to work safely at height), pole pruners and loppers for high branches, and wood chippers to process pruned limbs on site. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – helmets, ear/eye protection, chainsaw-resistant clothing – is mandatory and used diligently for safety.

In recent times, more advanced diagnostic and assessment tools have entered the arborist’s arsenal. For example, leading consultancy arborists in Ireland use devices like acoustic tomography to non-invasively detect internal decay in tree trunkshollyarb.ie. An Arborsonic 3D tomograph, for instance, can scan a standing tree and reveal hollows or rot inside, helping arborists judge if a tree is structurally sound or requires intervention. Another tool, the DynaRoot root stability tester, allows arborists to evaluate how well-anchored a tree’s root system is – useful in assessing the risk of windthrow (uprooting). Drones and aerial imaging are also increasingly used to inspect tree canopies or large woodlands efficiently.

Ireland’s next generation of arborists is being trained not just in how to wield chainsaws, but in how to interpret data from these modern tools. During a recent apprenticeship field day, students got to practice with tomography and root stability equipment, learning how technology is applied alongside traditional expertise to inform tree risk management. The fusion of field skills and tech know-how is elevating the practice of arboriculture. It means decisions like “Can this old beech be retained safely?” or “How should we prune this storm-damaged oak?” are made with better information – ultimately leading to better outcomes for tree health and public safety.

Certification and Standards: Professional arborists in Ireland abide by industry standards such as BS 3998 (British Standard for Tree Work) which provides guidelines on proper pruning cuts, avoiding damage to tree health, and protecting wildlife. They also follow biosecurity measures to prevent spreading diseases (for example, cleaning tools and equipment between sites to avoid transmitting pathogens like ash dieback fungus). Clients – whether municipal or private – often seek out certified or approved tree surgeons because they can trust that such professionals will perform work to high standards of safety and tree care. The Tree Council of Ireland even maintains a directory of “Tree Professionals” on its website, helping people connect with qualified arborists and consultants.

In summary, Ireland’s certified arborists and tree surgeons are well-trained practitioners who combine practical skill, scientific knowledge, and modern technology in their work. Their expertise is the backbone of tree protection efforts: without it, the lofty goals for expanding and nurturing our tree population would simply not be achievable.

Policies, Programs, and Funding for Tree Protection

Tree protection in Ireland doesn’t happen in a vacuum – it is supported by a framework of government policies, local authority practices, and funding schemes. These guide the planting of new trees, the care of existing ones, and the integration of trees into planning and development.

National Forestry and Green Infrastructure Policies: At the national level, Ireland’s Forestry Programme (2023–2027) emphasizes not just commercial forestry but also the social and environmental benefits of trees. A flagship initiative is the NeighbourWood Scheme, which provides financial assistance to create or enhance local amenity woodlands for public use. Launched under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2025, the new NeighbourWood Scheme offers grants to both public bodies and community groups or private owners to develop easily accessible woodlands in urban or rural areas. Funding covers silvicultural enhancements (up to €6,000 per hectare) and recreational facilities like trails, signage, and picnic areas (up to €4,200 per hectare). The aim is to boost biodiversity and outdoor recreation simultaneously – local woodlands become community assets for health and nature. Many county councils have tapped into earlier rounds of this scheme to plant community forests or improve town parks with woodlands, and the new scheme is poised to continue that trend.

Additionally, Ireland’s National Planning Framework and climate policies encourage incorporating Green Infrastructure (GI) into urban development. This means when new housing estates or roads are planned, features like street trees, green corridors, and parklands are considered not as afterthoughts but as essential infrastructure. For instance, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and EU Urban Greening Plans have influenced Irish cities. Cork City’s Development Plan 2022–2028 explicitly called for developing a Tree Strategy (now achieved) as one of 18 city-scale GBI projects to enhance green networks. Similarly, Dublin City’s Development Plan includes objectives to increase tree canopy cover and has commissioned studies (e.g., a Dublin Tree Canopy Research Study) to set targets and map out where new trees are most needed. Such policies at both EU and national levels create a supportive environment where funding and political will are available for tree planting and maintenance programs.

Local Authority Practices: Local councils are at the coalface of tree protection. Nearly every city and county in Ireland now has a Tree Management Policy or Strategy in place or in preparation. These documents set out how the council will care for public trees, under what conditions they will prune or remove trees, and how they involve the community. For example, Dublin City Council’s Tree Strategy 2016–2020 (and a forthcoming update) detail standards for maintenance and commit to planting more trees than are removed annually. Cork City recently adopted its first comprehensive Tree Strategy (2024), which outlines an action plan to plant new trees, manage public trees proactively, and retain existing canopy as the city grows. It also includes provisions for community collaboration, recognizing that 83% of Cork’s tree canopy is on lands outside Council control. Engaging citizens in tree care (like watering young street trees or reporting issues) is a common theme across local strategies.

County councils like Galway County have even produced Tree Management Guidelines for Communities – essentially empowering Tidy Towns groups and residents’ associations with knowledge to look after neighborhood trees and hedgerows responsibly. This kind of outreach, along with events like National Tree Week and local tree planting days, fosters a culture of tree stewardship beyond the professionals.

Local authorities also often dedicate budget for annual tree planting and have joined schemes to get external support. Some partner with businesses or NGOs for sponsorship (e.g., Cork City’s partnership with Cork Chamber to sponsor 1,000 trees planting). Others participate in recognition programs like the “Tree City of the World” initiative (in which a few Irish cities have been acknowledged for their commitment to urban forestry standards).

On the regulatory side, when new developments are proposed, councils require Tree Surveys and Arboricultural Impact Assessments as part of the planning application if mature trees are on site. Conditions may be imposed to protect trees during construction (with measures like tree protection fencing) and to replace any removed trees with suitable planting. This integration of arboriculture into the planning process has improved with time, aiming to avoid the mistakes of the past where trees were often cleared without consideration.

Funding and Grants: Apart from the NeighbourWood Scheme, other funding sources bolster tree initiatives. The Forestry Grant schemes administered by the Forest Service (DAFM) include elements for agro-forestry, native woodland establishment, and small-scale planting that farmers and landowners can use to increase tree cover on private lands. There is also a Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) launched recently to encourage planting of small native woodlands (hectare-scale) on farms – this ties into biodiversity corridors and water protection goals, indirectly benefiting arboriculture by expanding the tree resource that will need management.

Urban areas have seen funding through climate action budgets and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) for green infrastructure projects, which often include tree planting along streets and redevelopment sites. Some city councils have drawn on EU funds or national climate funds for pilot projects like planting “mini-forests” (Miyawaki forests) or creating shade in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods with trees.

In terms of workforce development, the new arborist apprenticeship itself was developed with government support and addresses the skills gap by subsidizing training for young professionals. This ensures that the policies and funding for tree planting are matched by a growing pool of qualified people to implement and maintain those plantings long-term.

Collaboration and Advocacy: Finally, it’s worth noting the role of organizations like the Tree Council of Ireland and the Society of Irish Foresters in advocating for tree-friendly policies. The Tree Council (a charity established in 1985) works closely with government and sponsors awareness events like National Tree Day and Tree Week. It also runs the Tree Register and other initiatives to highlight important trees. These groups often provide expert input on draft policies (for example, advising on the content of local tree strategies or the design of grant schemes), ensuring that on-paper policies align with arboricultural best practices.

In summary, Ireland’s trees are protected and advanced by a multi-layered support system: national strategies and funding that prioritize trees, local policies that put tree care into practice, and community involvement that reinforces the value of trees. Together, these create a positive feedback loop – funding enables more arborist jobs and planting projects; good arboriculture shows tangible benefits (healthier trees, safer streets, greener towns); public appreciation grows, leading to stronger political backing for tree initiatives.

Let’s Conclude our Findings

Ireland has come a long way from the days of extremely low tree cover. With around 18% of the country now under tree canopy (forest and otherwise), and cities like Cork and Dublin mobilizing to increase their urban forests, the trajectory is upward. This progress is no accident – it is the result of deliberate efforts in tree planting and the often-unseen, year-round work of tree surgeons and arborists caring for those trees.

We’ve seen how tree surgery contributes to public safety by preemptively removing hazards and responding to nature’s fury when storms strike. At the same time, arboriculture has evolved to support biodiversity, leaving space for nature to thrive in deadwood and designing urban landscapes that allow wildlife to coexist. Trees are increasingly recognized as critical climate infrastructure, and through skilled maintenance, their cooling, flood-reducing, carbon-storing capacities are safeguarded and enhanced. Heritage trees – the ancient sentinels of our history – receive specialized care and legal protection, so that they may continue to inspire future generations.

The professional arborists behind all this work are rising to the challenge with improved training, modern tools, and a passion for trees. They climb high and employ cutting-edge science to ensure a diseased tree can be treated, or a weakened tree can be braced rather than felled. Their expertise is supported and amplified by policies and programs from the national level to the local village level, reflecting a broad societal commitment to “green” the Irish landscape.

In essence, Ireland’s approach to protecting trees is holistic. It marries data and tradition, policy and practice, people and nature. Tree by tree, park by park, county by county – arboriculture and tree surgery are making Ireland’s communities safer, greener, and more resilient. As new challenges emerge (like pests, diseases, or climate shifts), this robust framework will be crucial. With continued investment in our urban and rural forests and the professionals who tend them, the future of Ireland’s trees looks well-rooted and bright, growing tall for many years to come.

Sources:

• National Forest Inventory & Tree Council of Ireland – Irish forest cover, deadwood volume treecouncil.ietreecouncil.ie

• Irish Farmers Journal (2023) – Total tree cover including hedgerows (Tailte Éireann land cover) farmersjournal.ie

• Cork City Tree Strategy (2024) – Cork tree statistics and canopy cover, EU comparisons publications.corkcity.iepublications.corkcity.ie

• Urban Wilderness Project – Dublin’s tree canopy ~10% and European context urbanwilderness.ie

• Dublin City Council – Number of street trees and annual planting in Dublin dublincity.ie

• South Dublin Co. Council – Example of annual tree work (pruning, removals, planting) in 2020 meetings.southdublin.ie

• Irish Examiner (2020) – Cork City trees removed vs planted, arborist inspection requirement irishexaminer.comirishexaminer.com

• Bluesky & Galway City Council – Use of tree mapping for biodiversity corridors bluesky-world.combluesky-world.com

• Cork City Strategy – Benefits of trees (air pollution reduction, rain interception) publications.corkcity.iepublications.corkcity.ie

• Tree Council of Ireland – Tree Register with 11,000+ heritage trees listed treecouncil.ie

• International Society of Arboriculture – Certification of arborists (exam and experience) gyfted.me

• Holly Arboriculture Blog – Arborist apprenticeship training and modern tools (tomograph, DynaRoot) hollyarb.iehollyarb.ie

• Teagasc (2025) – Launch of NeighbourWood Scheme (community woodland funding) teagasc.ieteagasc.ie

• Dublin City Council & SDCC policy documents – Tree management strategies and programs dublincity.iesdcc.ie