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Soil stripped in RPA of TPOd trees...


sloth
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Hi all, turned up on site yesterday to carry out a 5837 survey and found that the only two TPOd trees on site (barely worthy of their protection to be honest, two scrappy 4 and 6m, and between 150 - 200mm dia. holly) had been left with just half a meter of soil undisturbed around their bases. The rest of the site has been stripped, I'd guess between 200-300mm of surface soil has gone, with roots sticking up and torn all round the trees. I know this isn't uncommon, but what would you do? The client even stated they were wanting to retain the trees either side of the new access.

I expect they will struggle on through and survive anyway (trees generally don't give up easily, and it is the 'best' time of year for such an action), but it puts me in an awkward situation.

1. Ignore it and write up the report as though I never saw it.

2. Mention it in the report and drop my client in the thick of a TPO breach.

 

Thoughts please...

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Have a word with your client explaining that as a professional (and presumably member of AA/ICF etc) you are bound by codes of ethics to report on sites as you find them. If you believe the 'damage' isn't terminal for the trees then you can state than in the report and perhaps avoid enforcement action for your client.

 

After all, it's your reputation and relationship with the LPA on the line.

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I know how you feel - it's hard to potentially lose a job or a client, but sometimes it's the best risk to take. Particularly if they make a habit of mullering trees!

 

Hopefully another effect of your honesty n integrity will be that they then understand trees need a bit more root system than what they've retained this time round which may save some better trees elsewhere....I know, "don't hold yer breath!" :001_huh:

 

Cheers,

Paul

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  • 2 months later...
Happy ending it seems, final bill paid on time with thanks :)

TO agreed to felling and replanting with more suitable species a few meters away (better long term location). Cheers...

 

Result:thumbup1:

 

I'm involved with something at the moment, client is going for an interview under caution for a contravention.

 

But ultimately, the site should be improved, with replanting introducing some new, more suitable species, diversity of age classes etc.

 

If common sense prevails and the LA agree that it isn't in the public interest to be punatative there's a betterment to the site.

 

What I find ironic, is that if an application to fell half a dozen low value TPO'd trees was submitted - to replant and improve the site, everyone would probably view it with dismay and refuse!

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