Dealing with a potentially dangerous tree in an adjacent property

[John Luxton]

I have been getting increasingly concerned about a tree in an adjacent property and the recent stormy weather has added to my anxiety levels.

The tree is located in the grounds of an abandoned synagogue to the rear of my house which has been subject to several abortive redevelopment schemes which was to have seen the grounds landscaped and the tree dealt with.

However, each scheme has fallen through and once again it is back on the market.

The tree is very tall and would span any of the gardens of 6 nearby properties including mine and reach the buildings with the potential to cause much damage.

The tree is in serious need of managing and significantly reducing in height, small part have dropped off - but one wonders as to the integrity of the whole tree as the lower part appears to be partly wrapped in a parasitic evergreeen.

I have started speaking to my neighbours about it with the aim to work together on the issue.

I was wondering if there are people out there who have had to deal with a similar scenario and who would be the best people to chase the landowners up.

John

 

[30907]

I have been getting increasingly concerned about a tree in an adjacent property and the recent stormy weather has added to my anxiety levels.

The tree is located in the grounds of an abandoned synagogue to the rear of my house which has been subject to several abortive redevelopment schemes which was to have seen the grounds landscaped and the tree dealt with.

However, each scheme has fallen through and once again it is back on the market.

The tree is very tall and would span any of the gardens of 6 nearby properties including mine and reach the buildings with the potential to cause much damage.

The tree is in serious need of managing and significantly reducing in height, small part have dropped off - but one wonders as to the integrity of the whole tree as the lower part appears to be partly wrapped in a parasitic evergreeen.

I have started speaking to my neighbours about it with the aim to work together on the issue.

I was wondering if there are people out there who have had to deal with a similar scenario and who would be the best people to chase the landowners up.

John

Your local authority - probably via your councillor - have some powers, certainly if it is over a highway (from local experience).

 

[birchesgreen]

You need to contact your council. A friend of mine (well his parents to be exact) had a problem with a tree as it's roots has broken though and was blocking their drain pipe. It took a while (and a few inspections) but eventually it was sorted and the tree felled.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

The tree will need to be inspected by a tree surgeon. They will assess the health of the tree and determine whether any remedial action needs to be taken. That action may be reduction, removal of dead/diseased parts or complete removal. It is unlikely that complete removal will be recommended unless it is dead, diseased to the point of being unlikely to survive or at the end of its natural life. If you are lucky your local council will still employ a tree surgeon directly, otherwise one will have to be employed.

I guess most tree surgeons are going to be busy for a while inspecting trees for storm damage. Like roofers, all of a sudden everyone wants one NOW.

You mention aborted development schemes. If a planning application has been submitted, it ought to have assessments of any trees within the development site, what condition they are in and what measures are proposed to protect the trees, or which ones are/were proposed to be removed. If a planning application was approved, the officers report will discuss such aspects. All the documents ought to be online.

Is the tree subject to any kind of protection such as a Tree Preservation Order, or within a Conservation Area or within the grounds of a Listed Building? Again such 'constraints' ought to be online.

 

[John Luxton]

The tree will need to be inspected by a tree surgeon. They will assess the health of the tree and determine whether any remedial action needs to be taken. That action may be reduction, removal of dead/diseased parts or complete removal. It is unlikely that complete removal will be recommended unless it is dead, diseased to the point of being unlikely to survive or at the end of its natural life. If you are lucky your local council will still employ a tree surgeon directly, otherwise one will have to be employed.

I guess most tree surgeons are going to be busy for a while inspecting trees for storm damage. Like roofers, all of a sudden everyone wants one NOW.

You mention aborted development schemes. If a planning application has been submitted, it ought to have assessments of any trees within the development site, what condition they are in and what measures are proposed to protect the trees, or which ones are/were proposed to be removed. If a planning application was approved, the officers report will discuss such aspects. All the documents ought to be online.

Is the tree subject to any kind of protection such as a Tree Preservation Order, or within a Conservation Area or within the grounds of a Listed Building? Again such 'constraints' ought to be online.

Thanks very much

Yes the site was subject to a planning application. If I recall correctly only the trees to the front of the old synagogue have a Tree preservation order on them. This tree had been down for removal. To be honest I don't want to see it go in its entirety as it is a home for wild life. It just needs to be reduced to lessen wind resistance and potential for damage should it fall.

 

[Busaholic]

I have been getting increasingly concerned about a tree in an adjacent property and the recent stormy weather has added to my anxiety levels.

The tree is located in the grounds of an abandoned synagogue to the rear of my house which has been subject to several abortive redevelopment schemes which was to have seen the grounds landscaped and the tree dealt with.

However, each scheme has fallen through and once again it is back on the market.

The tree is very tall and would span any of the gardens of 6 nearby properties including mine and reach the buildings with the potential to cause much damage.

The tree is in serious need of managing and significantly reducing in height, small part have dropped off - but one wonders as to the integrity of the whole tree as the lower part appears to be partly wrapped in a parasitic evergreeen.

I have started speaking to my neighbours about it with the aim to work together on the issue.

I was wondering if there are people out there who have had to deal with a similar scenario and who would be the best people to chase the landowners up.

John

Many local authorities have a Tree Officer, or similarly named person. You will find quite a lot of information on the internet regarding their National Association, London Association, etc.

 

[John Luxton]

Many local authorities have a Tree Officer, or similarly named person. You will find quite a lot of information on the internet regarding their National Association, London Association, etc.

Thanks

I have been in touch with my two local councillors and they have told me that have forwarded my concerns to the relevant departments. I will see what transpires. One has promised to get back to me by the end of this week.