The Dulwich Estate

1. Tree works

Trees are an essential element of the Dulwich Estate and it is the policy of the Managers to maintain and preserve the character and amenity of the area through their policy on trees. Dulwich is noted for its number and range of trees, which create an almost rural environment, in an otherwise heavily built-up district of Greater London. Apart from the mostly planned provision of trees in streets, open spaces and on post-war housing developments, a large number of the trees in Dulwich are the result of planting by individual house owners. Many well-established trees survive from Victorian times. Trees on private land exist mainly because of random choice or preference of the owner and each specimen fulfils a valuable role in enhancing the visual amenity of the area.

Paragraph 6. (b) of the Scheme of Management provides that without the prior written consent of the Managers no trees of any kind (other than fruit trees, shrubs and seedlings) at any time growing on property shall be lopped, cut down, destroyed or removed. In this connection, ‘fruit trees’ excludes ornamental species such as cherry trees. You are urged to contact the Scheme of Management office if there is any doubt as to whether or not permission is necessary.

The Managers of the Scheme are the Incorporated Trustees of The Dulwich Estate and written consent to tree works is provided to applicants by way of a Licence. In addition to obtaining written consent under the Scheme of Management, applications in respect of trees located in a Conservation Area and those subject to a Tree Preservation Order also require the consent of the local Council.

As part of the Managers’ policy to maintain the amenity of the area as a whole, the advice of the Scheme’s Tree Consultant is offered free of charge to owners of property subject to the Scheme. There is a general presumption against the removal of healthy trees, especially mature specimens.

In granting permission for works to trees under the Scheme of Management, neither the Managers, their employees nor the Tree Consultant give any opinion, either explicit or implied, as to the current state of health of a tree.

Trees should be retained in their natural shape and form wherever possible. Skilled pruning of large trees in restricted areas requires the attention of experienced professionals who understand the requirements of a particular species. Unskilled surgery may result not only in damage to the tree, but also injury to humans, or damage to adjacent property. Following the Managers’ consent to tree works, a Licence is issued and a list of tree surgeons known to the Scheme of Management Office is provided. Unfortunately, not all contractors advertising services are qualified tree surgeons and care is needed in choosing a suitable contractor. The Arboricultural Association can supply a list of approved contractors and some local authorities retain a list of contractors they can recommend.

In addition to their expertise in tree care, many of the approved contractors are able to give advice on tree selection and may, themselves, undertake tree planting. However, contractors should be instructed to comply strictly with the terms of the Licence granted by the Managers as any variations proposed require prior written consent from the Managers.

Trees close to buildings can cause problems. This is especially important in an area such as Dulwich, where the sub-soil is composed of heavy shrinkable clay and severe problems can arise during excessive dry periods through structural damage, often aggravated by root activity. The removal of a tree can result in ground heave. Recent weather patterns have created conditions where soils throughout southern England are drying out. This has resulted in clay soils shrinking which can lead to subsidence problems in buildings. Nearby trees are often blamed for exacerbating the situation and owners should take the advice of a chartered surveyor or structural engineer if such problems arise, as well as informing their insurance company.

The following notes may assist owners of properties on the Estate in the care of established trees and in choosing a new tree for planting:

Care of established trees

Large trees, which are inherited by successive house owners, may need thinning to avoid problems such as excessive shading of adjacent areas. It is most important to employ the services of a professional with skill and experience to carry out the necessary surgery. With expert attention it is possible to reduce the density of the crown of a tree whilst still retaining its height and natural form. A healthy tree such as beech, birch or conifer may easily be ruined or killed by drastic lopping and other species may produce a mass of dense shoot growth following unskilled pruning and this may alter the natural character of the tree. This is also liable to produce large wound areas which do not heal properly and are eventually affected by fungus and decay, as well as reducing the tree's useful life potential by rendering it structurally unsound.

Choosing a new tree

Most species of tree will establish themselves well on a wide range of soils, however, careful thought must be given to the eventual mature size of a new or replacement tree. If space is restricted, a small or medium sized tree with associated limited root spread should be chosen. Where lateral space is restricted, species of a columnar habit can provide a good effect without excessively shading the house, garden or adjoining areas. On the other hand, a single, low weeping form of a particular species may be valuable in creating effect without causing nuisance because of its height.

If the applicant is unsure of suitable tree species, the Scheme’s Tree Consultant is available to give help and advice on all matters concerning trees. The following should be taken into consideration, especially where space is at a premium, and avoided:

Planting forest type trees such as oak, beech, lime, horse chestnut, ash, plane, or Norway maple or cypress, unless there is full scope for ultimate development of the branch and root system. Tree surgery to constantly restrict the growth of one of the above trees can create an unsightly effect and it is best to avoid such varieties in small town gardens.

Planting large inappropriate species, such as willow or poplar trees, in small gardens or close to buildings or underground services. Such trees have extensive root systems and could ultimately damage nearby buildings, especially in areas where the sub-soil is highly shrinkable clay.

Over-planting an area. When saplings are planted it may appear that double or treble the numbers appropriate to a site are needed. However, as the trees grow the group will become crowded and thinning may be required prior to growth being hampered as they compete for space.

Typically, trees when initially planted, particularly conifers, are of an attractive, compact, symmetrical form; for example, cedars, pines and sequoias may fit well into a small area when they are young. However, such trees can grow to a height of 80ft-100ft and may spoil the area by their physical presence and their root systems may cause damage long before that stage is reached.

Planting fast growing, dense crowned trees, such as cypress, close to boundaries in restricted situations. Eventually such trees will need surgery so that adjoining properties are not adversely affected by lateral growth and shading of garden areas.

Applications for tree works

1. An appointment should be made via the Office for the Scheme’s Tree Consultant to inspect the tree(s) which are subject to the proposed works. In the majority of cases, the Tree Consultant will wish to meet the applicant to discuss the proposals. No charge is made for either the Tree Consultant’s inspection or the grant of a Licence for Works to Trees.

2. The Tree Consultant can, generally approve applications for minor works to maintain the health and shape of a tree or for the removal of a dead tree, and a Licence for the specific works will be issued.

3. The removal of a healthy tree in a prominent position of the Estate, major works to such a specimen and those cases where the applicant disagrees with the Tree Consultant’s views are generally referred to the Scheme of Management Committee. The Committee will make a site visit, usually accompanied by a member of the Dulwich Society’s Tree Committee. The Committee will then either consent to the proposal or modify or reject the application. Where the works are approved, a Licence as above will be issued.

4. The consent to remove a tree may be conditional on the planting of a replacement tree (with the species preferred being specified in the Licence). Under the terms of the Licence, all works must be completed within 26 weeks and replacement tree(s) must be planted within 52 weeks. Where the planting of a replacement tree is required, the applicant should confirm in writing to the Office the species planted.

5. Trees located in a Conservation Area and those subject to Tree Preservation Orders also require the prior approval of the local council before any works are carried out.

Separate Guidelines are available on boundary treatment (including hedges).

It is hoped that the foregoing is of help. However, the importance of informing the Managers and obtaining necessary prior consent (including, in Conservation Areas and where a Tree Preservation Order is in effect, that from the Council) before any pruning or tree surgery is contemplated must be stressed.

 

Please refer also to the General Guidance Notes for Freeholders of Property Subject to the Scheme of Management Making Application for Building or Tree Works.

March 2004

Documents

Download document in PDF format Tree Works Guidance Notes (PDF 279kb)