Hi,
I’m after some help and after having a look around this forum, this seems like a pretty good place to get some sound advice.
I live in London and our neighbours have applied for a 25% reduction only of an Oak tree (covered by a TPO) at the bottom of their garden as it’s blocking out light. In principle I have no problem with this, but I am worried that the application is too vague – it simply states “25% reduction” and does not mention whether that will be leaf cover, crown, height etc. The tree currently has a wonderful Oak-y shape and is a beautiful feature.
I have no aboriculturist experience but have read several posts here and it seems that there are many different opinions on which method is best for reducing a tree to allow more light through. Also it seems that there are different points of view on whether the customer is the priority or the tree.
As I am assuming that the customer’s priority is more light, my priority is making sure that is combined with treating the tree in the most sustainable way possible.
The main advice I need is:
Should I ask them to clarify the application and state which method of reduction they would anticipate using or would this be too much of a constraint for those working on the tree?
I want to make sure that the tree is dealt with in a sympathetic way ie – that the method/amount of reduction is dependant on what is best for the tree but I do not know how best to phrase this – especially as I do not know what I’m talking about (!) and I will not be dealing with whoever has to cut the tree. I’m worried about someone just lopping away wily-nilly. Should I ask for conditions to the application?
I intent to reply to the application anyway as I have seen bats flying around the tree at night (although I do not know whether they have a roost in the tree itself), which I think might have to be taken into consideration (?).
Any advice or comments are very welcome, thanks.
