Trees

[lnr]

I like trees, and in general I think they're a good thing to have around in our city. I do think they should be planted appropriately though, and this is why I've just written to the Council's planning dept about the sycamore in the school grounds behind our house. They grow into very big trees and we're worried that in a few years time it's likely to be doing serious damage to our foundations, especially since we have such a small garden so it's really quite close to the house. And it's already soaking up all the moisture from the soil and killing our lawn. I feel a bit mean asking them to cut it down, but I just don't think it's a sensible place. Sycamores should be planted in the middle of big patches of open ground, not less than 20 feet from someone's back door.

Comments

[simonb.livejournal.com]

Having a tree like the sycamore which can grow to over 70' in height within 20' of your back door is a bad thing to do. In a couple of years that sycamore could dwarf your house and from what I've read, its lower branches could touch your house - I've I've understood what I've read correctly they can get a branch diameter of 60' or so with larger trees.

Whilst its not great to take a tree down, I don't think you should feel guilty about asking for this one to be moved a little further away from your house as it will probably cause damage to the foundations of your house in years to come.

I'd say that a call to the council tree officer is in order :)

Also, have a look at the following things I've found online:

• http://www.marshalltrees.com/tree_pdf/Sycamore.pdf (http://www.marshalltrees.com/tree_pdf/Sycamore.pdf)
• http://www.2shoptrees.com/sycamore.htm (http://www.2shoptrees.com/sycamore.htm)
• http://www.utextension.utk.edu/spfiles/SP511.pdf (http://www.utextension.utk.edu/spfiles/SP511.pdf)

[lnr]

Indeed, I looked up the council's tree officers online and it pointed me at the planning and environment department, which is why I chose them to mail. I'll see what they reply, and if it's not helpful I'll get on the phone. I find phoning people much harder work than email.

Thanks for the links anyway.