Our ancient trees at risk

Published: 21 April, 2011

• IN the era of concern about global warming it is depressing to realise that Islington Council feels it can fell our ancient trees without consulting residents. 

Richmond Avenue is lined with plane trees, most of which are more than a century old. They have survived the Blitz, offering generations their beauty, shade and birdlife. 

Now, it seems, they can be cut down at the whim of an insurance company. The council is apparently happy to carry out this vandalism without giving us sufficient notice to protest.

The two trees outside my house have been selected for destruction because, according to the insurance company, their roots are causing damage to another house. But no other experts have been consulted; and we have been told it is very unlikely that, at their advanced age, the trees will still be growing. It may indeed be the council’s installation of road humps, which cause our homes to shudder every time a large van crosses them, which has caused the damage.

My worry is that – whether it be through cuts, change of management or simple weariness – the council has thrown in the towel in the long-running game of blame-the-tree played by London insurers. 

Whenever there is a subsidence claim, insurers’ first thought is usually to find a tree to blame, preferably a council tree, in order to try to offload liability.  

Islington has so far defended the trees vigorously. Indeed, the trees in front of my house were first threatened by the insurers three years ago, and until last week the council defended them. 

Now, aggressive legal tactics by an insurer seem to have changed their minds. This sends a signal and puts vast swathes of Islington’s ancient trees at risk. 

Islington claims to be a green borough. But if it doesn’t defend its trees it will become a grey wasteland.

 At the very least, the council should promise to rapidly re-plant with other trees that can begin to provide shade and decorative cover. At present it is happy to leave an area of urban wasteland where a century of tradition once stood.

CHRISTIANE COMINS
Richmond Avenue, N1