Consultation regarding tree outside 28 Fox Lane, S17, linked to property subsidence.
This consultation is regarding the replacement of a tree outside 28 Fox Lane, S17 4RL.
The current tree is an English Oak (Quercus robur). We are proposing to replace it with a Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), which we will aim to plant in the large verge along Greenhill Parkway, close to the original location of the tree.
The reason for the proposed replacement is that the tree is linked to subsidence damage at nearby premises. The costs of the repairs if the tree was to be retained are more than twelve times the estimated valuation (CAVAT value, see below*) of the tree. Both of these valuations have been independently verified by an Independent Consultant and the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership. Therefore, we are proposing to replace the tree.
Additional Information:
The London Tree Officers Association (LTOA) have a method called the Joint Mitigation Protocol, which is the benchmark for the management of these kinds of claims. For Low Value Council-Owned Trees, such as this, the evidence required for this procedure includes:
1. Report on damage to building.
2. Plan & profile of foundations.
3. Plan of site showing location of building in relation to all trees and significant vegetation in vicinity of site.
4. Trial pit cross section to underside of foundation depth plus borehole through base of trial pit to a minimum depth of 3m.
5. Root identification from beneath underside of foundation.
All of the above were provided to substantiate the claim, and the trial holes and root DNA analysis showed Oak roots to be present.
Having reviewed all evidence and inspected the tree and property, Independent Consultants recommend removal without prejudice to the claim.
*The estimated value of the current tree was calculated via the Capital Asset Valuation of Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method. This is a valuation method developed in the UK to express a tree’s relative contribution to public amenity and its prominence in the urban landscape. For more details on the CAVAT method, please refer to the Sheffield Street Tree Strategy Development Group Report ‘i-tree eco stratified inventory report’ by Treeconomics for an explanation of CAVAT. That can viewed via the link below:
Sheffield Street Tree Strategy Development Group Inventory Report
More information on the proposed replacement species can be found below:
This species of tree has been selected by our professional arboricultural inspectors as being a suitable highway tree species for this location. This information can be found on page 192 of the Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure, which can be found here:
Once removed, we will aim to replant this tree in a large verge alongside Greenhill Parkway, close to the original tree location.