RESIDENTS are being warned there is less than a month to go before bird nesting season if they need to cut back trees and hedges.

Cheshire West and Chester Council says now is a good time to prune, before the start of nesting season, which runs between March and August.

It is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wildbird while it is in use or being built.

Pruning removes dead and dying branches, allowing room for new growth and protecting property and passers-by from damage.

It also deters pest and animal infestation and promotes the plant’s natural shape and healthy growth.

Grounds maintenance teams started cutting back council-owned hedges and trees in September and will finish before March 1.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “Many trees in public spaces are maintained by the council.

"This includes trees in public parks and open spaces and those within highway verges.

"Residents, landowners and farmers are responsible for trees and hedges on private land, particularly if they are overhanging and blocking the road or pavement.

“Our tree officers recommend that cutting hedges and trees is avoided between March and August as that is the main breeding season for nesting birds.

“We’d like to remind people that now is a good time to prune because the lack of foliage makes it easier to see how the tree or hedge has grown and where it needs attention.”

The council manages 50,000 trees and 23 miles of hedges.

If a tree is causing an obstruction, is dead, dying or dangerous, damaging property or surfaces or obscuring road, street signs or lighting columns, the council will investigate.

However, the local authority is not able to prune or fell trees for reasons such as shade, leaf litter, TV reception, bird fouling or insect activity.

Residents can place hedge and tree clippings into their green waste bins if they have subscribed to the new service starting later month or they can take it to one of the borough’s household waste recycling centres.

Larger stems, twigs and branches up can composted but should be be stockpiled and allowed to rot first.