In progress
Tree unexpectedly cut down
Sent to Merton Council less than a minute later. Council ref: SRQ-1266875-J5Y1T4.
Hi
Hope you’re having a good day.
There is a tree at the entrance to heath drive that has been cut down and a stump remains. It is a shame as it was in good condition and pleasant for the road and the remaining stump is an eyesore.
Can I check whether the council did this? I noticed some tree surgeons parked at a nearby house - so I’m concerned a resident did this without telling the council.
Updates
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Thank you for reporting a problem with a street tree.
We aim to inspect street tree problems within 10 working days of being reported, or 2 hours if the tree is dangerous. We aim to carry out any necessary work within 30 working days.
Did you know…?
We care for more than 20,000 street trees in Merton, including pruning, pollarding, and planting hundreds each year to keep streets green, safe, and walkable.
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Thank you for your report. During a routine inspection, signs structural weakness (e.g. internal decay, cavity) and recorded. As the tree was found to be high risk, in the interest of protecting both the public and property we had no other choice but to fell it. We only ever remove trees as a last resort, if they have become unsafe, dead or diseased. On the face of it trees can appear healthy, even with less than 1 inch of alive tissue at the surface. However, the wood inside has been consumed by a wood decay fungi, to the extent that not enough strength remains to support the trees weight. Therefore, a tree can appear healthy but ultimately be a danger to people and property. The Councils ultimate responsibility is to ensure public street trees remain healthy and safe whilst appreciating that it is a living organism that is susceptible to external factors such as disease as was the case in this instance. We can ensure you we will arrange a replacement tree.
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