The locations selected for next year’s tree plantings have been mostly residential. Letters were sent to residents in these areas seeking comments on our proposals. The feedback has been largely positive and with a few adjustments to our original plans we are now in a position to place an order with the nursery for 23 trees to be planted in 9 separate locations.
This year’s consultation revealed concerns about possible impact on TV reception, precise location for each tree, its size, in particular in terms of whether it will block light to property, leaf litter and possible damage to parked cars caused by falling branches, and the type of protective cages that will surround each tree. These concerns and one or two others were addressed in correspondence with the individual residents. Our initial consultation letters in future will endeavour to anticipate concerns such as these. We will include a sketch map showing precisely where each tree will be planted. More information will be provided about the growth habit of each tree. And details will be included about our methods for staking and protecting the trees with mesh guards to prevent damage from grass cutters and rabbits.
Our aim is always to enhance the environment in which we live. We have seen examples of the wrong tree planted in the wrong place and the impact this can have on nearby residents. Fortunately nurseries have developed over recent years a number of species that are better suited to planting in residential areas. We now have a much wider choice available to us of suitable trees for planting in such areas.
Allan Waight
November 2018
