Annie

[Treecrazy]

Hi there,

My local council have just planted (1/4/21) two  amelanchier Robin Hill along my gable wall.  The distance from the tree to the wall is 1 meter and 5 cm.  It is London Clay soil.  There was no historical trees along this pathway because it is a little narrow.  I have pointed out that when the trees mature it will not allow for the passage of a wheelchair or baby pushchair.  In addition I am worried about subsidence.  One of the trees is planted right in front of the communal drains also.  The roots will probably push up the paving stones also and swish against my windows and the side of the house.  I just wouldn't plant a tree in my back garden so near the house so I think it is a bit crazy to plant so near on the street.  

 

On that foolish day they also attempted to plant a tree right in front of the alleyway that leads to the back of the houses.  One hold could not be dug by hand because it had concrete under the paving from my back garage.  On the opposite side they planted the tree but have since removed because they knew it just wouldn't be allowed to block the alleyway for services, fire brigade etc.  

 

I had no notice that they were intending to plant the trees they just came along one morning and were furiously busy planting and when confronted refused to stop and the workmen stated that if they consulted us then nothing would get planted.  

 

I have engaged with the council but they are refusing to listen and have stated that if wheelchairs etc., need to use the pathway they can use the opposite one although the opposite pathway was deemed even narrower than mine for planting the trees.  

 

The trees themselves are cute and cost quite a lot of money. I kind of like them in a way but think they are not being given justice by planting in such a narrow dark place plus they will cause a lot of nuisance because the cars park along this side of the street tightly together so you can't step out onto the road even if walking along.  

 

There is a push to plant loads of trees for the environment it mitigates climate change so they have taken away most of the grants to upgrade homes and are using the planting of trees to meet their quotas instead.  Who can argue with trees?   Do I need to be concerned about these trees or are they somehow so spindly that they won't cause any harm for walking or damage to property?

 

Your comments would be appreciated.

 

 

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Treecrazy
mistakes

[dumper]

More a case for your local councillors and mp. They can do what ever they want planting wise on their land as can you.

most street trees die during the first years due to lack of maintainance so wait an see

[Treecrazy]

Thanks dumper.  We have a Tree Warden who takes great pleasure in watering and planting little flowers at the base of trees so unlikely they will fail.  I believe the trees came there on her invitation because she was upset with the council for allowing another neighbour to do some expansions other their home (blocking light etc.,).  Found a way to reclaim some power by becoming a Tree Warden.  Now the Tree Warden is acting like she owns the whole street and the council are playing along

[Treecrazy]

I cannot go anywhere with the perceived worry about subsidence because it is only a problem when it becomes a problem down the line therefore the danger or likelihood of it happening is not a legal considerations.  Like the threat of murder nothing until it actually happens then its oh we should have seen it coming and why didn't we prevent.

[woody paul]

Take pictures and ask head of council via email then you have proof of conversation if they have been planted in the right place if he can't answer then will pass it down to someone to. This is how I got some answers to a problem as when I contacted the department I thought would deal with it told me there was nothing they could do, but getting in contact with head has made them change there mind. 

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by woody paul

[Treecrazy]

Thanks Woody Paul I may have to do this.  The tree department are not budging on the fact that this tree variety is non invasive and perfect for any small area.  It bears fruit and will have changing leaf colour.  It is a native of Canada and probably is a lovely tree if it had enough room.

[Ian Clarke]

It might not help in short term but would it be forward planning to inform your insurers as if the worst does happen they know who to send the bill to

[AHPP]

Let it go quiet for a few months and then move/kill them.

[tree77]

Although there are planted close, not sure if the species planted will cause future issues, am guessing they have choose this tree species due to it being a smaller, more compact tree.

Difficult say if it will ever be problem for drains or cause subsidence in the future, from what I have seen of these else where probably not but each site/location is different.

 

Yes tree wardens can get a little carried away, but they do provide important support and help for the local community and council. I know the council can plant trees anyway on there land they could of explained what they planned and why, it might of saved on-going complaints and a little re-assurance  for yourself