Forestry Vision

Croydon Council’s Forestry Vision

To maintain and enhance Croydon’s trees and woodlands so as to maximize their amenity, biodiversity and resource value for future generations, whilst ensuring that they offer minimal risk or hazard to people and property.

Benefits of trees

Croydon has over 33,000 highway trees, 120 parks and 450 hectares of woodland. The Council recognizes this resource as a valuable asset, improving the look of the Borough and benefiting the environment, health of residents and visitors. These are some of the benefits trees give:- • They filter airborne dust and pollution • Absorb traffic noise in built-up areas • Reduce temperature extremes and generate breezes • Act as a screen, increasing privacy in residential roads and gardens • Provide shade and can make buildings up to 20% cooler in summer • Convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and increase local air quality • Provide food and nesting sites for birds, insects and other animals • Increase the nature conservation value of an area • Provide displays of colour throughout the year • Comparatively low maintenance addition to the landscape • Act as a buffer against the stresses of modern living and improve quality • Provide psychological and health benefits and have been shown to reduce stress

significantly • Increase local property values – estate agent windows will always show expensive

properties being in “tree lined streets” • Help prevent flooding by catching rain and reducing run-off from buildings and car parks

Policy and practice

The following policies and practice will be undertaken to meet our commitments and achieve our vision.

Standards

A) Trees B) Woodlands

The Council will ensure all tree work for which it has responsibility is carried out according to BS3998:1989, British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work. To maintain the Borough’s high standards of woodland management Croydon holds a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate for sustainable woodland management and is seen as an exemplar of conservation management. The council is committed to the principles and criteria of the FSC and to managing

their woodlands to the UKWAS standard. Priority Trees should be given the highest priority as regards

decisions over their effect on and sitting of CCTV cameras, street lighting and footpath damage

Tree Related Nuisance

The Council will not carry out tree work such as removing individual branches or crown reduction to alleviate a nuisance which will not have a significant effect on that nuisance

Nuisance: Minor & Seasonal

The Council will not carry out pruning works due to minor or seasonal nuisances such as honeydew, bird droppings, leaf-fall and the dropping of fruit with the exception of the larger fruiting trees such as plums and apple pears. It is also the Council’s practice to not prune or reduce the size of trees specifically to improve satellite television reception. If it is possible to improve the situation through general maintenance, then his work will be carried out at the appropriate time

Nuisance: Light Obstruction

The Council will not generally carry out crown thinning or crown reduction work to trees in relation to obstruction of light unless it forms part of the general maintenance programme. The Council will try to improve the situation through pruning back from property and crown lifting where feasible

Off street parking The removal of healthy street trees to facilitate off street parking will not be considered except in exceptional circumstances where a tree is dead, diseased or dangerous.

Subsidence The maintenance of highway trees will take on board the potential for subsidence. The proactive management of our trees will be based upon maintenance cycles ranging from 3 to 5 years. We will challenge claims based on spurious or inaccurate evidence. The ALARM Joint Tree Root Protocol will be adopted as the process by which claims are handled and endeavor to deal with the claims in the appropriate time period.

Nuisance: View Obstruction

The Council will not carry out maintenance or tree removal to reinstate scenic views. If it is possible to improve the situation through general maintenance, this work will be carried out at the appropriate time

Engineering works

The Council aims to actively protect its own tree stock from avoidable damage caused by agencies responsible for engineering works near trees.

Pollarding Short rotation pollarding of trees will be carried out where they are growing in very close proximity to buildings. This will be identified via a programme of proactive inspection. In some cases passed removal and if appropriate replanting with smaller species may be appropriate.

Tree Size & Amenity

Wherever there is space to allow a tree to grow to full size the Council will seek to plant the largest tree

possible, notwithstanding the need to select trees for reasons of character, design and the need for the right tree for the right size. This is reflection of the need to have structurally significant trees for future generations.

Tree Planting The removal and replacement of dead, poor or vandalised trees is carried out where it is appropriate to replace the tree. It is important that the correct species is chosen as a replacement. Species selection is necessary to avoid or minimise future. If you have any queries about tree planting or would like to see a tree planted outside your house, or in your road, then please contact the Trees and Woodland Section.

Biodiversity We aim to actively improve the biodiversity of our tree and woodland resource by restoring traditional management systems in Ancient Semi Natural Woodlands and promoting diversity of structure. This may involve both the retention of old and dead trees where appropriate or the cutting of young trees on a regular cycle as with coppicing. It must also be remembered that trees in some locations may not be advantageous for wildlife for example lowland heath in which case a programme of tree removal may be considered.

COUNCIL TREES

Street Trees Croydon Council has approximately 33,000 street trees to manage. Since April 2006 street trees have been maintained on a ward by ward cyclical inspection/pruning programme. This programme aims to inspect and carry out necessary works on a ward by ward basis. Trees in the North of the Borough, where front gardens tend to be smaller and due to soil type there is a greater risk of subsidence, are inspected every 3 years. Trees in the South where there is a low risk of subsidence and front gardens tend to be larger are inspected every 5 years. Where we consider it necessary we will vary the programme and increase the frequency of inspections and pruning. When pruning is carried out our aim is to specify works so that further pruning is not necessary until the next inspection cycle and to try and prevent problems before they occur. This programme of management will

• Greatly reduce the number of complaints in relation to street trees • Directly improve customer satisfaction • Be more cost efficient in the long term – lower pruning costs per tree • Protect the Council from negligence claims • Ensure that the Council will be acting reasonably and prudently • Reduce the chances of accidents/subsidence occurring in the first place

• Over a period of years to reduce significantly the cost of subsidence claims in relation to trees

• Reduce incidents of tree failure during storms The Council uses a variety of maintenance techniques such as; Crown reduction, crown thinning, crown lifting and pollarding. The tree officer will specify the most appropriate works considering the tree’s location, species, size and past maintenance techniques. Tree problems People in urban areas live in close proximity to trees, and trees can cause an inconvenience to residents when they grow near dwellings, a dilemma often occurs when trees make an important contribution to the local environment but also cause inconvenience to those living near by. The Council receives thousands of requests for pruning for a variety of reasons. Some claim that the tree is causing a nuisance or inconvenience. The Councils cyclical pruning policy should reduce such claims of nuisance or inconvenience. The Council will not prune trees outside of the pruning programme when requests are made for the following reasons;

• Loss of light/reduced light to properties • Effects on TV reception (satellite or terrestrial television) • Obstruction of views • Interference with private vegetation • Obstruction to CCTV Cameras • Obstruction of telephone/utility cables (these are the responsibility of the statutory

undertaker) • Minor obstruction of street lights • Trees interfering with, or suppressing vegetation under adjacent ownership • Minor or seasonal “nuisances” (for example: Honeydew, bird droppings, squirrels, leaf,

fruit or flower fall, smells from trees) Tree removal The Council again may request for the removal of a tree for example, installation of vehicle crossovers, road traffic improvements, subsidence claims and request for removal as some trees are seen as a nuisance. If a tree is removed the amenity and benefits that a tree offers is lost even with re-planting it is a long time before the full benefits are replaced. With the highway environment there is intense competition for space with gas, water, electric etc, planting opportunities after a tree is removed are becoming increasingly difficult.

For these reasons unless there is a sound arboricultural or risk related reason such as dead, dying, diseased or structural damage or when a tree is deemed inappropriate for the location there will be a resistance to remove trees. Street tree planting Currently the tree section plants approximately 400 street trees. We prioritise sites where we have had requests. Requests should be received by mid September. We will endeavor to accommodate late requests and if unable to we will hold over until the following year. We would like to draw up plans for street tree planting in conjunction with local resident associations in order to make an impact on the wider neighborhood. Unfortunately we are not always able to re-plant a site due to underground services, or damage in the immediate surroundings, the site was originally not suitable for planting or that the tree was removed in relation to a subsidence issue. It is not always possible to plant a tree in a vacant pit. Housing Trees on housing estates and communal gardens are important in improving the local environment. The Council has a programme of inspecting trees on communal land in housing estates and specifying works required. Trees in gardens of Council houses, tenants have a responsibility for the maintenance of their gardens including trees, the Council in some instances will assist in the maintenance of large trees in Council gardens. Enquiries regarding tree works in Council gardens should be directed to the Housing Tenancy Officer. They will then ask the Trees and Woodlands section for advice. Parks Planting trees in parks allows the Trees & Woodlands team to specify species that will grow to a large size and have a greater impact on the local and wider area. We are currently drawing up management briefs for our parks which will include planting plans. Memorial tree planting There are opportunities for people to have personal trees planted in parks for a fee although we no longer allow plaques to be erected. Parks tree maintenance/management

Trees are fundamental to the structure of a park. Parks allow the larger species of trees to be planted and are allowed to grow to maturity. The Council inspects the trees in its parks every 3 years and specifies works mainly for health and safety reasons. Trees in parks are less likely to require regular maintenance then those on highways. The Council will undertake inspections relating to requests from members of the public for example, trees overhanging properties or loss of light, these issues will be dealt with on a case by case basis, but as in the case of street trees will not necessarily result in any works being undertaken. Woodlands Croydon is, after Bromley, the most wooded Borough in London. The Council manages some 500 hectares over 40 sites. A large proportion of these woods are ancient semi natural woods i.e. they have existed since the last ice age and many are significant on a regional basis. Many of these woods were formerly managed under the coppice with standards system and the resulting flora and fauna created by millenia of management have significantly declined with the reduction in any form of woodland management over the last century. In tandem with this high quality timber has been creamed off in two world wars and what remains has not been managed with quality in mind. In recent years the council in partnership with Friends Groups, BTCV and the Downlands Countryside Management Project has taken the first steps to reversing this neglect. The Friends of Groups have made significant steps in restoring their respective woods. Products ranging from bean sticks to sawn oak are coming out of Croydon’s woods. Advantage is being taken of the English Woodland Grant system drawing in money to support woodland work. Croydon is also leading the way in that its woodland management is independently audited as sustainable (i.e. it benefits environment, economy and society) to the International Standard of the FSC. The largest woods such as Kings Wood, Selsdon, Littleheath and Sanderstead will have a degree of active management, the majority of woods however unless there is a particular environmental reason for management (e.g heathland clearance as at Addington Hills) or where there Friends Groups, will have limited intervention to promote or maintain access. The exception to this is health and safety and all woods are inspected on a five year cycle and necessary works carried out, to ensure that access and borders over housing and roads are safe. Most intervention aside from the coppice blocks at Kings Wood, and Littleheath will be in the form of continuous cover forestry i.e. diversity will be introduced into woodlands by the removal of individual trees or groups of trees and the fostering of natural regeneration andor new planting. However, this is not written in stone and where there are Friends Groups as at Littleheath they will guide Forestry Management. We are also very keen for new Friends Groups to be established.

Schools

Trees in schools are important, they are a great educational asset for studying nature and the seasons. They improve the schools amenity, creating a pleasant environment to learn and provide welcome shade on hot days.

It is important that trees in schools are maintained to avoid risk or injury.

Schools are responsible for the maintenance of their grounds and the Trees and Woodlands Section are happy to advise on this.

If you have enquiries regarding trees in schools they should be first addressed to the schools themselves. Frequently asked questions Q. A tree outside my property is very overgrown. How often are street trees inspected? A. All street trees are included in an inspection and pruning programme. Q. I suspect the council tree next to my property may be causing subsidence damage to my property. How can I make a claim for damage? A. We advise that if you think that the tree is causing such damage then you should contact your household insurer for advice. However, if your concern is that the damage is relatively minor e.g. root damage to your drive or garden wall then please contact the Trees and Woodland Section. Q. I am a council housing tenant and the there is a tree located in the property garden that is causing me concern. Who do I contact? A. Please contact your housing tenancy officer. Q. Why do some trees drop sticky sap and what can be done about it? A. The sticky sap is identified as honeydew and is caused by aphids feeding on leaves. All trees attract aphids at varying levels. A council owned tree will not be removed for this reason but rather pruned as part of the overall cyclical regime. Q. A street tree on my road is dropping leaves and/or fruit and I am concerned that this may cause a hazard. Can the tree be pruned immediately? A. The dropping of leaves and /or fruit occurs over a relatively short period and any temporary inconvenience has to be balanced against the many benefits that street trees bring to the urban environment. Therefore, we will not normally prune offending trees outside of their cyclical regime. These issues are dealt with by regular street cleansing. Go to Contacts link for details of the Streetscene Division, who are responsible for this. Q. The birds on the council tree next to my house are causing a mess with their droppings. Can this tree be removed? A. Although this is inconvenient, it is not a good enough reason for removing the tree. Such an issue would be dealt with by regular street cleansing. Please refer to the contact list below and contact the Streetscene Division who are responsible for this.

Q. The basal growth from the lime tree outside my property is blocking the pavement. Will this growth be removed? A. All Street trees that produce such growth are included in an annual programme where this growth is removed. This work takes place between July and September. Q. A council owned tree is affecting my TV/Satellite reception can the tree be pruned or removed? A. The council will not prune or remove trees for this reason. We suggest that you contact your satellite provider. Q. There is a privately owned tree whose growth is obstructing the footway. What can I do? A. Please contact the Streetscene division for your area. Please refer to the contact list below and contact the Streetscene Division who are responsible for this. This division has an Enforcement Section whose duties include serving notice on the owners of such trees, in order that they arrange pruning. Q. How do I check if a privately owned tree is protected in any way? A. Please contact the Planning Department. Please refer to the contact list below. Q. I live in a privately owned property and have a tree in my garden that needs pruning. Will the Council prune this for me? A. No, the council would not normally carry out such work. In addition it is suggested that you contact the Planning Department to make sure that the tree is not protected. Please refer to the contact list below. Q. My neighbour’s tree is becoming too large. What Can I do? A. Under common law you can prune it back to your boundary, although you must offer the arisings back to the owner and it is suggested that you first contact the Planning Department to check that it is not protected. Please refer to the contact list below. Q. My neighbours conifer hedge is blocking out light to my garden. What can I do? A. The Council have certain powers here. Please refer to the High Hedges contact below for further information. Q. I am concerned that there is a large dangerous tree in my neighbour’s garden. What can I do? A. Under the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act the Council may certain powers to act. Please contact the Trees and Woodland Section, contact details below. High Hedges From 1 June 2005, and under part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, local authorities have powers to deal with complaints about high hedges. If you have a dispute with your neighbour to do with the height of a hedge then the Council does have powers to intervene. However involving the Council should be last resort if you really can’t find a solution with your neighbour. We can refuse to intervene if we think you haven’t done everything you reasonably could to settle your dispute. We will also charge you £300 for this service.

The process and the steps that you should consider before coming to us are outlined in the leaflet “High Hedges: complaining to the council” a link can be found below. If you have taken reasonable steps to resolve the dispute yourself AND can answer ‘yes’ to ALL the points listed below, the Council will consider your complaint:

• Are you a domestic dwelling? • Is the hedge growing on land owned by someone else? • Is the hedge – or the portion that is causing problems – made up of a line of 2 or more trees

or shrubs? • Is it mostly evergreen or semi- evergreen? • Is it more than 2m tall? • Even though there may be gaps in the foliage or between the trees or shrubs, is the hedge

still capable of obstructing light? If you want to complain to us please use the form below and read the leaflet and guiding notes in the external links. CONTACTS Who to Contact General tree/woodland/High Hedges enquiries Trees & Woodlands Contact name

Parks and Open Spaces Telephone

020 8726 6900 Fax

020 8760 5622 Email

parks@croydon.gov.uk Tree Preservation, construction areas, trees on development sites Planning Tree Preservation Officers Contact name

Tree preservation order enquiries Telephone

020 8726 6800 Email

planning.trees@croydon.gov.uk

Website http://www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation/treesandlandscape/orders

Management of street trees Trees & Woodlands Contact name

Parks and Open Spaces Telephone

020 8726 6900 Fax

020 8760 5622 Email

parks@croydon.gov.uk

Trees on communal housing land Trees & Woodlands Contact name

Parks and Open Spaces Telephone

020 8726 6900 Fax

020 8760 5622 Email

parks@croydon.gov.uk Trees in Council house gardens Housing Tenancy Officer Contact name

South Central District Office Telephone

020 8726 6100 Email

housing@croydon.gov.uk Address

Taberner House Park Lane Croydon CR9 1DH

Contact name North District Housing Office

Telephone 020 8726 6100

Email housing@croydon.gov.uk

Address Strand House Zion Road Thornton Heath CR7 8RG

Contact name East District Housing Office

Telephone 020 8726 6100

Email housing@croydon.gov.uk

Address 90 Central Parade New Addington CR0 0JB

Maintenance of park/woodland trees Trees & Woodlands Contact name

Parks and Open Spaces Telephone

020 8726 6900 Fax

020 8760 5622 Email

parks@croydon.gov.uk Maintenance of trees in schools First contact the school

Trees damaging your property Insurance Team Contact name

Insurance Section Telephone

020 8760 5738 or 0208 760 5539 or 0208 760 5728 Email insuranceteam@croydon.gov.uk