Soil stripped in RPA of TPOd trees...

[sloth]

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...

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

I would educate the client pointing out the error of their ways and pointing out that the tree survey should have been conducted before any plant was allowed on site. Always best to be open and upfront with this kind of stuff.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Do your job. Produce the report on the basis of the site and facts as you found them. Presumably only your client will receive the report.

 

Cheers

[Paul Barton]

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.

[sloth]

Sound advice, thank you. Confirms my intial feelings really, I certainly don't want to put my hard earned reputation on the line!

Many thanks...

[Paul Barton]

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!

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

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!"

 

Cheers,

Paul

[sloth]

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...

[daltontrees]

Sort of a happy ending. Reputation intact, fee paid, scrappy trees gone and replaced for longer term in hoopefully unmolested position. Presumably developer happy too, he got away with it.

[Gary Prentice]

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!