The tree on the pavement in the Grove is over grown and has become a hazard in various ways. The roots are lifting the pavement causing an increasingly large trip hazard over time, this is a big issue as there are a lot of small children and elderly in this grove which are at risk of injury. As the tree roots grow and thicken within their limited space, the roots are distorting and breaking the pavements. Woody roots thicken each year and spread in line with tree growth increasing the damage and likelihood of property damage also.

 

The branches over hang car parking spaces and shed leaves branches and seed pods everywhere which damage cars and block all the drains causing flooding in heavy rain. The branches have pulled down telephone cables and the birds (pigeons) which sit in the tree spread faeces all over the cars and path below which damages the paint work of the cars and constitutea health hazard to the children playing there. Already some residents have had to begin parking further away from there home or have had to repair damage to cars.

Who is responsible for trees overhanging the highway?

The owner or occupier of a property has a legal responsibility (Highway Act 1980 s154) to ensure that the 'public highway' adjacent to a property is not obstructed by vegetation from their property, with this in mind the responsibility should also work in reverse also.

When it has been trimmed previously by LHP, it has been by only a few centimetres which is not enough by far and although various residents in the Grove have sent emails complaining these have fallen on deaf ears it seems.

Ask, is it OK to have a tree next to your house?

How Do You Know If A Tree Is Too Close To A House's Foundation? Generally, a tree should be planted at least twenty feet from foundations and landscape features.

As residents we have complained many times previously but the local council have said it belongs to the housing association but the housing association say it is the local councils problem so as residents we are at a stale mate and this is not good enough and we demand that something is done.

As residents we are not apposed to having a tree but a smaller tree with a limited branch spread would be better suited and one which does not produce so many problem items which cause the residents such problems. 

When contemplating a replacement it was suggested;

5 BEST TREES TO PLANT CLOSE TO A HOUSE

1) Birch

2) Hawthorn

3) Apple

4) Pear

5) Plum

As residents we would be happy with a fruiting tree and this would benefit wildlife also but the tree currently in place is simply inappropriate.