Forum Topic

Murder on Fauconberg Road

First two of four healthy trees butchered and murdered today on Fauconberg Road. I’m no hippy but these were living 100+ year-old health-giving plant ‘beings’. Hounslow Council - I accuse you of murder. I’ll also go so far to accuse you of being the rapists of Chiswick. You disgust me. As usual, thanks for your concern and consultation of the real guardians of the neighbourhood - your paymasters. You are not fit for purpose.  Pah! Cannot wait to leave this vile, rotten-run borough - you make me sick! More murder due tomorrow. Which handbook are you reading?

Adrian Ellis ● 1596d17 Comments

I don't know why those trees have been cut and I sympathise with your, Adrian, I really do but... I wish you used other words.I have a cousin who, in her younger years, was sexually assaulted and eventually raped. The ordeal she has had to go through had enormous impact on her body, her psyche and her life. Equating that to a tree being cut is rather insensitive to those who suffered through it, to say nothing of the victims of murder, and really dilutes the impact of the word. Going back on topic, did Hounslow say why they're cutting those trees? I have a friend who's a 'tree doctor' in BC, Canada, and he normally gets called to assess the health of urban trees in Vancouver island and makes the assessment of whether they need to be cut or pruned or cured.

Francis Sheehan ● 1596d

Yep, if that upsets you so much wait until you see the vegetable aisle in Waitrose. Carnage!

John Hall ● 1596d

It's the headline that is so disturbing.The aftermath of the Christmas tree massacre each year found in the parks is pretty disturbing although once chipped and on paths the enjoyment continues.

Philippa Bond ● 1596d

I agree with Phillipa,  equating what's happening to murder or rape is trivialising those issues for anyone who has had to deal that happening to them or a family member.

Nora Watkins ● 1596d

There was a thread about this only a couple of weeks ago.  The trees were not healthy.  See http://appasp.chiswickw4.com/server/app/forum/ShowMessage.Asp?ID=1508255

Richard Jennings ● 1596d

But they’re not even going to replace them apparently - it’s really sad.

Madeleine Hazard ● 1596d

When trees/shrubs/plants are diseased I wouldn't have thought it was a good idea to immediately replace in exactly the same place.  Why not contact your  Councillors about the planting of new trees.

Philippa Bond ● 1595d

What a great idea Philippa - wish I’d thought of that !  And answer came there none ……

Madeleine Hazard ● 1595d

A lot of Council funding comes from applying for and winning grants from various authorities.  Unfortunately in the past some of the trees did not get the follow up care and attention that they needed so let's hope that everyone will make sure that that doesn't happen again.

Philippa Bond ● 1595d

Tree team says: "This fungal infection is Giant Elm Bracket Rigidopurus Ulmariis and attributed to a brown rot of the central heartwood. On trees where hollows exist to the central core this could also be attributed to this type of fungal infection, however without fruiting bodies present this cannot be determined. Where decay is suspected to be below-ground as the case with all four trees, the integrity of the tree and stability is in question, therefore removal is needed.”They had an independent expert to confirm their view. Replacement planting to be considered next season.

Karen Liebreich ● 1595d

Hounslow Highways have a policy of replacing trees that have to be removed. But a problem arises if there is disease in the tree pit, because this could infect new young trees. So it may be a problem to replant in the empty tree pits. If anyone wants to know about this, you can ask via Fixmystreet.

Iris Hill ● 1595d

Except Philippa, they did precisely that when they planted a new tree in the identical tree pit outside Prebend Gardens about a month or two ago. Perhaps it will prove to be another profligate waste of resources associated with the cycleway. As it stands we're already at two enormous batches of tarmac and counting. Wonder what that carbon footprint is.Time will tell.

David Lesniak ● 1595d

A Poster accuses Hounslow council of being rapists and murderers. Turns out that the trees are being cut due to a fungal infection. Somehow the cycle lane is called into question.What a time to be alive, heh?

Francis Sheehan ● 1595d

I made the original post in the other thread as, like Adrian, I live on Fauconberg Road and was initially horrified that the swift removal of 100+ year old trees seemed to be happening with such brusque haste (we were given just over a week's notice via a short flier through the door) and otherwise no engagement with residents. With Karen from Abundance London's help (see her post above in this thread) I was connected to Kevin Greening from Hounslow Highways. They are a private company with a 15 year contract to look after all of the trees in Hounslow and must plant at least as many as they fell during that time. I arranged for Kevin to spend some time with a group of Fauconberg Rd residents last Thursday. He and another professional arborist spent an hour showing us the irreversible fungal damage to the trees and discussing options for replanting (locations and species) in the area. Sadly, replanting in exactly the same spots is challenging due to residual fungus in roots and the abundance of other services (gas, water, broadband, street furniture) that has arrived since the trees were first planted. Two new trees will be planted on the corner of Fauconberg and Hazledene Roads and we agreed to form a community group to advise on future planting and raise money for this. Unfortunately, there's the possibility of the fungus spreading to other mature trees on Fauconberg. If so more trees may be at risk of being felled in 3 years when they do the next survey. I'm told this is a common problem with London Planes and circa 100 years s their lifespan. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, we're all tree lovers here I'm sure.

Glenn Manoff ● 1594d

Thank you for posting the details.  It's good to know that someone took the time to explain in person why the work needed to happen. It's such a shame to see trees like this being felled,  but having seen how many (seemingly healthy) trees came down during the storm,  you can see why this work needs to happen.

Nora Watkins ● 1594d

We need to think back 100 years when this area was being built. There would not have been these wonderful trees, but they planted them, presumably knowing they would be glorious for us. We need to plan for the future while enjoying what we still have.

Vivienne Cox ● 1594d

Glenn, thank you so much for posting this.There are so many people quick to interpret 'facts' to suit their personal agenda on this forum, it's good to know that sometimes there are genuine reasons for what happens, and there isn't some underlying insidious motive.Hope the community group is successful and that Fauconberg Road and environs continue to keep plenty of viable trees and replacement trees thriving.

Andrew Jones ● 1594d