Renfrewshire Council has said trees in priority areas are “systematically inspected” after concerns were raised about the “fragility” of many during Storm Eowyn.
A red weather warning saw strong winds cause chaos in the county on Friday with debris scattered across roads and damage inflicted on buildings.
The brutal conditions led to numerous fallen trees in Paisley, Renfrew and elsewhere – with one elected member underlining the importance of “proactive” steps to protect the public.
Councillor Jamie McGuire, a Labour representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: “The recent adverse weather that brought a red weather warning to Scotland has highlighted the urgent need for regular checks on the stability of trees across Renfrewshire.
“During the storm, many trees were brought down, causing significant danger to residents and substantial disruption. Some trees were uprooted and fell onto roads, pavements, and even homes, creating serious safety hazards.
“While I acknowledge that extreme weather events can challenge even the sturdiest infrastructure, the fragility of many trees during the recent storm underlines the importance of proactive measures to protect public safety.”
He emphasised the value of regular tree assessments to address any at risk of falling, adding the safety of residents must remain a “top priority”. He added: “Trees in areas near roads, walkways, and homes should be inspected frequently, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of severe weather.
“By identifying potentially unstable trees and taking pre-emptive action, the council can prevent incidents that could harm residents or cause damage to property.”
Responding, the council said it recognises “the importance of proactive tree management” and has invested in a dedicated arborist team.
A spokesperson added: “As part of our approach, trees across priority areas – including schools, cemeteries, and open spaces – are systematically inspected to ensure tree inspections adhere to the British Standard. Further efforts are also in progress to proactively inspect all trees across Renfrewshire.”
The local authority confirmed earlier this week its teams are working to assess damage and carry out any repairs or works necessary.
Council leader Iain Nicolson, an SNP representative for Erskine and Inchinnan, said on Monday: “I would like to thank our residents for following the advice to stay home and keep safe during the red weather warning for Storm Eowyn.
“This is the first time Renfrewshire has received a red weather warning since 2019 and work is currently underway to assess any damage and carry out the repairs and clean-up needed to keep Renfrewshire moving and services running.
“I would also like to thank our teams who have worked tirelessly following the storm to carry out repairs and recovery work so our services were able to re-open as normal today.”
Don’t miss the latestRenfrewshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter here