Forum Topic

How to stop trees being removed

We received notice on Monday that two trees are to be removed from our street following a Fix My Street report in May. The roots are causing issues with the pavement, however, the case was open and closed within 3 days, no notice to residents, with the result that we will lose two out of four blossoming trees. The letter does not say that the trees will be replaced and, in fact, they have not replaced any of the other trees they have removed in recent years.Is there any way we can stop them being removed until we can come to a positive solution for all  such as guaranteeing similar replacement trees, or looking at a viable alternative to the pathway?These trees provide shade, nesting and a lovely year-round outlook and it feels like the council/Hounslow Highways have chosen the cheapest and quickest option which is to chop them down. Very sad and just doesn't seem logical or right.

Victoria Sheridan ● 1524d14 Comments

What street is this?

Iris Hill ● 1524d

Swanscombe Road. To add to the story the trees were bought by residents after the storm in 1987. Furthermore, there were 10 trees in this road in 2008, after this there will be two.

Victoria Sheridan ● 1524d

https://savesheffieldtrees.org.uk/  have a look here for ideas and the legislation loops/blocks..

Tim Garfoot ● 1524d

I think part of Swanscomb is Ealing. If your trees are in the Hounslow end, I suggest you put an immediate request via Fixmystreet on why the trees are being removed instead of tarmacking over the roots. Around here HHighways have simply tarmacked over the roots, even though they were quite an obstacle. HH don't like removing trees if they don't have to. HH also have a policy of replacing trees. You could also request someone from the trees department of HH come over to discuss this with you.

Iris Hill ● 1524d

Have you contacted your local councillors ?

Richard Greenhough ● 1524d

Swanscombe road in in hounslow off devonshire road. Those trees from my point are very wide at the trunk base and lifting up the pavement (TARMACKED) and given the pavement is not wide you can just about get a buggy through the gap and over the lifting roots. Given the row of houses front doors are about 5 feet away from the actual trunk and likely about 2-3 feet away from roots in view id not be surprised if the houses foundations are an issue and why they possibly need to be removed and replaced

Julian Pavey ● 1524d

Can you get a wheelchair through?It's difficult trying to manage people's different needs and always sad to lose established trees.

Philippa Bond ● 1524d

Hi all - I've received lots of emails about the proposed tree felling from concerned residents this morning. As mentioned to those who have been in touch, I'm in discussions with officers at the council about this and will keep you updated.

Jack Emsley ● 1524d

Just to confirm for those who haven't been updated yet - the tree felling has now been postponed and officers will be looking at the feasibility of alternative solutions for making the pavement safer. Should know more in the next couple of weeks!

Jack Emsley ● 1524d

Removing large trees near buildings can create big problems. In simple terms the water table is upset causing the earth to expand which can cause structural damage.A phenomenon known as heave.As an owner in these circumstances I would seek professional advice and put the Council on notice.

Adrian Irving ● 1524d

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.4909746,-0.2543279,3a,75y,23.63h,81.2t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scsAT1LzSV0WeMWLywTaksQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192Are these the trees?How about extending the pavement to the width of the parking bay so people can walk around it?Then you could put some EV chargers on it for the bays either side.

Ed Saper ● 1524d

Thanks for the alert and stopping the destruction in order to look at solutions. The promised replacement trees to those 100 year old trees felled by LBH to accommodate the cycle lane in Chiswick High Rd still have not been replaced. Any news on that?

Mandy Waters ● 1524d

That reminds me On my way to coombe road via  Swanscombe road, i know they removed a tree in the other part of Swanscombe road around the corner about 10 days ago.
I'm afraid 10 days later and locals still have not been able to loose enough weight to walk past the felled tree
Well done Hounslow highways

Julian Pavey ● 1524d

I agree with Adrian.  Removing them can can cause problems but leaving them there can as well.  Trees can cause problems with foundations and utilities as well as pavements.  We have this strange reverence in some areas for age which perhaps we should be more pragmatic about. Should we really be expecting trees to live for 100 years?  Are we doing enough to select trees more suitable for the conditions we have on our streets today rather than 100 years ago?

Philippa Bond ● 1523d