Trees are an integral part of Bedford Park’s appeal and Jonathan Carr, the estate’s founder, and his architects planted many additional trees to create a village atmosphere. Over time these have matured and disease, age and storms have taken their toll. The Society encourages the planting of broad-leaved forest species to preserve the character of the conservation area.
However, over the years, disease, age and storms have taken their toll and a replacement programme for the suburb’s street trees has been vital. Not only would our streets look stark and empty without any trees but their shapes and colours soften the urban brick and concrete, as well as providing a range of environmental benefits, which are often underestimated.
Under Section 211, Town and Country Planning Act 1990 all trees in the conservation area are protected by law. It is an offence to deliberately damage or destroy a tree by cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting or by any other means without permission from the local planning authority. Trees are defined as those where the diameter of the trunk is greater than 75mm measured 1.5m above the ground. Six weeks’ notice must be given before any work is started.
Street trees are the responsibility of the respective councils. Further details of the council plan to remove dead or infected trees and the replanting programmes are below.
We are aware of a number of street trees with branches touching roofs or too close to windows and of trees potentially causing subsidence in the Hounslow borough. We are discussing this with the Council.
See below for information on the steps you need to take to carry out work on a tree in your garden and how to deal with a query or complaint regarding a street tree.
Hounslow Council
To find out how to carry out works on a garden tree:
Council guidelines for garden trees
For street tree problems:
Report a problem with a street or park tree
Responsibility for the trees has been contracted to Hounslow Highways.
Find out how trees are managed.
Ealing Council
To find out how to carry out works on a garden tree:
How to carry out works on a garden tree
For street tree problems:
How the Council manages street trees and to report a problem with a street or park tree
Further information on the council’s tree strategy
Tree felling and replacement
During the last few years, we have been successful in establishing a dialogue with the officers responsible for tree management in both boroughs, which enables us to be better informed of future plans and to discuss tree management within Bedford Park.
The main species currently planted in the suburb are Lime, Acer, Prunus, Ash, Silver Birch, Hazel and Chestnut but disease of the latter from the leaf-mining moth has caused early leaf loss and Ash dieback is a continuing problem. The Society is in discussion with both councils about suitable species for future planting, recognising that size is dependant on the quality of tree pits and surrounding earth as well as overall space. If the right species is selected, tree growth and maintenance of pavements can be managed.
Thanks to the Society’s regular dialogue with the councils, there is now a three-year inspection programme in place for both boroughs following which trees will be pruned or replaced, as necessary. Wherever possible, felling of trees should be avoided since it takes many years for a new sapling tree to replace the benefits of a mature tree.
Ealing Council
Following the Council’s three-year survey in Autumn 2016, 100 trees in the Southfield Ward, including over 40 in Bedford Park, were identified as being diseased and/or dangerous and in need of felling.
Most of the felled trees have now been replaced but some work to reinstate the tree pits is ongoing. We have continued to check for remaining empty tree pits and any which have been filled with tarmac. We have also reviewed requests for replacement trees with the Council.
We are continuing to discuss the replanting programme, the species selected and on-going tree planting in the suburb. The Council has advised us that if they receive a request for a new tree, they are often prepared to supply one.
The next pruning is scheduled for Autumn/Winter 2019.
Hounslow Council
Hounslow commissioned a survey and instigated a more effective programme of pruning. In the last year we have reminded the Council about timely pruning and their contractual obligation to replace dead trees. In response, Hounslow Council acknowledged that the previous pruning of some of the horse chestnut trees was not adequate and agreed to redo these trees.
Complaints about trees and shrubs
We asked members to contact us with complaints about trees in both Ealing and Hounslow. Unfortunately, most of the problems raised are not considered justification for pruning by either council. Restricted light, sap and bird droppings, the size of the tree, allergies and minor ailments are not accepted as grounds for pruning/felling. Details of the very limited grounds can be found on the Ealing and Hounslow council websites.
Separately, a number of members have contacted us with complaints about trees in both Ealing and Hounslow. Unfortunately, most of the problems raised are not considered justification for pruning by either council. Restricted light, sap and bird droppings, the size of the tree, allergies and minor ailments are not accepted as grounds. You can find details of the very limited grounds for pruning on the Ealing and Hounslow council websites from the links above.
Residents have reported concerns about overhanging trees and shrubs from gardens, which are a potential hazard to pedestrians on the footpaths, particularly in the dark. We would ask you to check whether any growth from your garden might be causing a problem and if necessary to prune back.
While they are such an integral part of Bedford Park, many of our street trees have grown too large as a result of lack of pruning or insufficient pruning. We will continue to try to influence the local authorities to take action to resolve this.