Hi everyone,
Thank you kindly for your advise and input so far. This is very much appreciated.
I have in the mean time requested the reports from the developer to see what the arborist advised when surveying these trees (this used to be an old golf course, and I don’t believe these trees have been managed over the years).
This is what I received back from them (attachment attached for your reference):
“Statement of TP tree in 2012:
Single Trunk; leans from base to S as done entire main scaffold and branching of the tree; 3 stemmed from approx. 8.5 m; dominant is the N, unions appear sound; visible for some distance E&W from within the site and likely to be for longer distance to the N; one of the more established components of the trees within the line in which it grows and individually as part of that collections it provides a screen towards that part of the boundary; considered to be of some arboricultural value.
Tree survey observation from 2016:
Significant branch on “western canopy has failed leaving a large scar. Downgraded as a result. A tree of low quality and value in the landscape.
Work: Remove opped branch back to stem
Screenshot attached.
Developer advised:
The flowing is the extract from the arboroligcal information the develop submitted to carry out works to TP trees around the end of 2019; approval for works under * reference 19/01845/Tree – October 2019, Arb same as 2016 survey report, they did remove other trees along the boundary but non were the TPO’d.
Extract October 2019:
Remove all dead wood and crown clean (small amount of storm damage). Notified for the avoidance of doubt.
The developer advised it was not highlighted to be removed or a risk at this time though as with everything we are 3 years on nearly so this may of changed”
I would like to ask for your valuable advise please?
Should the developer not followed up on the arbo’s 2016 and 2019 recommendation/reference and carried out the work that was suggested (as I don’t believe it has), is it not their responsibility here and should they still not action this. In my opinion, if the crown clean was done this tree would not have leaned over as it’s doing now. 80% of the branches are facing the leaned way. Looking at the extract there is mentioning of low quality and value in the landscape of this particular tree. I’m not seeking of removal of the tree (scared of potential heave/subsidence!).
Concerns were addressed but no action was taken. Each time we were told the tree is safe, there is a TPO on the tree no work can be done, no roots are available not to worry etc.
How do I make a strong case to the developer to request to survey the tree again, speak with the council re the TPO and do the necessary work, which was already outlined and any other work if needed to be (as they failed to do so to start with).
My main concerns are safety (children’s room), young children constantly in the garden (during the last storm we had a large branch broken/fallen down) and of course financial impact are playing all a factor here. As mentioned previously the tree on it’s own is not an issue, it’s the leaning towards the property.
Apologies for the long post. Again, you valuable advise is very much appreciated on this matter!