23 Woodlands Road Richmond SW13 0JZ

Silver Birch in Driveway, 23 Woodlands Road, london SW13 0JZ Having consulted two tree surgeons (Mark Spriggs and Jo Buckingham ( HTS Hardy Tree Surgeons)) I am applying for permission to remove the silver birch in the driveway, as well as the nearby holly tree. The Silver Birch (which was already mature when we purchased the property in 2000)., is approaching end of life, lost its crown in a storm approx 15 years ago and has shed additional limbs, one of which is curently hanging, held in place by dead climbing rose. The two leaders and side limbs are in danger of falling due to further decay evident in the trunk, and present a danger to the neighbour's garden (where young children play) as well as to users of the driveway, the propoerty's only access. Consideration has been given to weight reduction, but given the tree age and trunk condition this is not considered appropriate. We would be happy to leave the stump (and if desired some of the trunk left standing) in place so it can decay naturally over time to provide further habitat. Photographs of the tree, trunk and hanging branch are provided. The trees within the driveway are all self-seeded and have grown naturally, with consequent integrity. We do not think the narrow verge available, given also the lack of natural watering and need to keep the driveway trimmed back for access, is suitable for planting large trees, and if re-planting is required we would prefer to use suitable hedge species rather than replace like for like. Within the wider context of the garden we have in the past 20 years planted silver birch (two survive) and various cherries, gages and other trees. We have two large trees subject to TPO, (oak and sycamore) and do not believe it would be suitable to plant additional large trees - the garden already being well provided with trees and shrubs which support considerable wildlife. While work is undertaken on the birch we would also like to deal with the holly, which is in poor condition - one of the twin trunks is dead, while the other only supports a few side branches in poor condition. We woudl like permission to reduce this to a short standing trunk, to see if thereby we can encourage fresh growth from the base as part of the driveway hedge.

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