Investigating
Dangerous overhanging tree on pendarves road
Sent to Merton Council less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 9539011.
The large tree next to the house of 113 Pepys road has large branches which overhangs into the garden of 113 pepys road. Several times a week large branches fall from the great height and land in the garden. The property has young children and there is a serious risk of injury when they are in the garden.
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.
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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. Having reviewed the photos provided, there is no sign of any large branch that appear to be at imminent risk of failure. Our latest routine inspection found the tree in good condition, and no large branches were identified as presenting a high risk. You mention that large branches are falling into your garden several times a week. If this is the case, please upload photos of the fallen branches, so that we can assess the situation further.
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Please see photos of recent fallen branches into the property's garden. As you can see they are heavy and large. There is a serious preventable accident that is going to happen soon unless these overhanging branches are cut back. One of these branches nearly struck a young child in the garden and when i call your emergency telephone number nobody picks up...
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Thank you for the photos. Only fallen dead branch shown in the first photograph has some potential to cause harm, although not in category of large branch. The branches in the other two photographs appear to be small diameter, lightweight twigs that are unlikely to cause significant harm or damage. As the branches are already on the ground, this does not meet the criteria for an emergency, which involves an immediate danger to people, property, or access routes. As quote from above: "A tree is an immediate danger if it could hurt someone, damage property or block important access. This includes trees that: have fallen or look like they might fall soon have large branches hanging loosely that could drop are blocking roads, paths or emergency routes." We have logged a non-urgent site visit to check the tree and confirm whether any larger dead branches are present within the canopy that may require attention.
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As the latest photograph shows, all three branches are over 5ft in length and the first two weigh between 2-3kg. When these fall from the height of the tree (over 3 stories high) this will certainly cause significant harm, particularly to small children which play in the garden where the tree overhangs. The fact they have already fallen is simply proof of the danger that is present, this should be treated as an emergency as there is high probability another large branch will fall and could hit someone. All the overhanging branches to the property needs to be cut back to prevent injury. Please can this be actioned asap.
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Thank for your further message and photo of fallen twig. Following our recent site inspection and assessment of the tree canopy, we can confirm that the tree is in good condition and remains within a low-risk category. No significant deadwood, defective branches, or structural defects were identified. Based on our findings, there is insufficient support to justify emergency works or extensive pruning of all overhanging branches. It is common that residents believe council have obligation to prune the public tree branches overhanging within their properties. Unfortunately, council have no common law or statutory duty to prune our trees just overhanging. That’s the same situation as a neighbour’s tree just overhanging. Please understand that during periods of strong wind, some branch failure is expected, even in well-maintained and appropriately managed trees. When wind forces exceed a tree’s structural tolerance, branches can break despite good arboricultural practice. Typically, it is smaller, lighter branches that fail first, and this is a natural response that cannot be entirely prevented through routine inspection or maintenance. The Council manages tens of thousands of trees across the borough, many of which overhanging streets, roads, schools, nurseries, hospitals, homes, parks, and other public spaces. Every day, people of all ages pass beneath these overhanging tree branches. This level of overhanging is normal and is not generally considered a significant health and safety concern. In fact, overhanging branches are an essential part of a tree’s structure and function, providing important benefits such as shade especially during hot summer periods and wildlife habitats. As with all aspects of daily life, it is necessary to accept a very small level of risk in order to enjoy these benefits—much like we accept certain risks associated with modern transport in exchange for the convenience and benefits it provides. Where damage does occur, such incidents are covered through the Council’s insurance arrangements, in the same way that vehicles on the road are required to be insured. It is also important to recognise that all standing trees and overhanging branches carry some degree of risk, and it is not possible to achieve zero risk unless a tree is removed entirely. The aim of tree management is therefore to keep this risk at an acceptably low level rather than eliminate it completely. Statistically, the risk of injury from trees is significantly lower than many everyday risks, including those associated with road use or household accidents. Thank you for your understanding.
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