Is Council Tree Surgery Doing More Harm Than Good?

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Wandsworth Tree Warden Network concerned canopy removal will increase pollution


Tree surgery under way on Earldom Road

Trees are being pruned now and this is bad for our health say the Wandsworth Tree Warden Network (WTWN). Mary-Claire Mason one of the tree wardens cites Weiss Road (pictured below) in West Putney as an example of what is happening in Putney. Mary-Claire said: “This was a green tree-lined street last week. Then the trees were pruned a couple of days ago. Now look at it, a street stripped pretty much of green.

She continued: “A 21st Century Tree Strategy for Wandsworth’ the recent discussion paper published by WTWN sets out how trees protect our health. The green summer canopy for instance is important because it cleans the air for us. Removing it when we most need it is a policy which has to be urgently revised. WTWN wants the Council to ensure that tree pruning takes place in the autumn/winter period…any extra cost would be outweighed by the public health benefits.”

We have asked the Council and an independent tree surgeon to comment and will update upon receipt.

July 3, 2018