Turnham Green Tree Planting Proposals November 2021
The London Borough of Hounslow Borough declared a Climate Emergency in 2019.
The Council and its partners are looking at many ways of dealing with the effects of Climate Change and making the borough more resilient to its effects.
Planting Trees is one way of trying to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere. However, trees have a life span and are prone to pests and diseases and so we need to proactively manage our current parks tree stock to increase diversity, biodiversity, and numbers to replace those that will die or fail. We need to be ambitious and not only aim to maintain the current canopy levels but add to them to increase opportunity for carbon capture, air cooling and to mitigate the effects of air pollution.
Trees not only define our park landscape but also make our greenspaces more resilient to the effects of Climate Change, thus making Hounslow a healthier environment to live in.
Proposals
The Council has received proposals for tree planting on Turnham Green. The Councils GreenSpace360 (GS360) Tree Manager has reviewed the proposals, taking into consideration the suggested locations and species of trees. Based on this they have advised what would be the most suited species of tree for each location.
Map of proposals
Download and view the landscape orientation
We would like to ask residents and users of Turnham Green for their views on the proposals.
Outcome
Results updated 11 Feb 2022
The Council received proposals for tree planting on Turnham Green. A survey detailing the proposals was launched in November 2021 for 8 weeks where the majority would determine the outcome. The results of the survey show that the community strongly support all proposed tree planting. The Council therefore intend to plant all trees by the end of March 2022.
Please see the Consultation Summary for further information https://haveyoursay.hounslow.gov.uk/parks/tree-planting-proposals-for-turnham-green-2021/
We would like to thank you for your input into this consultation process, and we hope that you will enjoy these improvements to Turnham Green.
Background and further information
What is the background to the Turnham Green Tree Planting Proposals November 2021?
Following a previous request for tree planting on the Green in 2020. It was considered that wider consultation was required before any trees are to be planted on the Green.
What is the current tree provision on Turnham Green?
The Green supports a mature and formally laid out perimeter boundary of Lime Trees. There is also an avenue of cherry trees. Most other trees are groups or individual trees that have been planted around the site. Species include London Plane, Ash, Malus, Purple plum, Hollies, and Fir tree. These are in no formal arrangement.
You can view satellite imagery of the tree canopy of the site by using a web-based mapping browser. Visit the Greentalk website and search for Turnham Green.
How many trees are proposed to be planted and what are the species and size?
Information on the form, habit and growth potential of the trees listed below can be found at the Woodland Trust website.
|
Species |
Number of specimens |
Area on the map |
Size |
|
Indian Bean tree |
1 |
1 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Tulip tree |
1 |
2 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Foxglove tree |
1 |
2 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Magnolia |
1 |
2 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Lime |
1 |
3 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Cherry Prunus avium plena |
9 |
4,5,6,7 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Hornbeam |
1 |
8 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Wild service tree |
1 |
8 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Whitebeam |
1 |
8 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Elm |
1 |
9 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Crab apple |
1 |
9 |
Standard 2.50cm – 3.00cm |
|
Total |
19 |
|
|
*Tree species are subject to substitution if supply issues are encountered. Examples of substitutions include Hawthorne, Chestnut, Holly, Rowan and Sorbus.
Where will they be planted?
Please refer to the map above showing the planting locations and accompanying key.
In line with the Councils Tree Policy to increase the number of trees in Council managed land, the GS360 Tree Manager has assessed the planting proposals as opportunities to increase the tree stock on the Green, and in the borough. Unfortunately, trees are becoming increasingly vulnerable to a host of pests a disease and the need to build up a diverse and resilient tree stock is a priority. The existing tree stock in parks are managed to promote a healthy life span where possible. Locations for any new tree planting sites are assessed as we are protecting and creating landscapes for many years to come. Unfortunately, we must accept that increasingly we need to manage our trees due to incidents of storm damage, biological threats, drought and extreme prolonged periods of heat and other effects associated with climate change. We looking to mitigate these issues where possible through careful planning.
The planting locations suggested within the proposals for the Green have been assessed to consider whether any of these new trees would affect other activities or enjoyment of the Green, its assets, and surroundings. Therefore, some proposed planting locations and species may have been subject to change. There is no new formal planting arrangement proposed only additional planting to an existing tree avenue. Routine tree management works maybe required to existing trees to accommodate any new trees panted. This is common practice and relevant where there are currently gaps and existing trees have overgrown into these areas or where canopies have become dense and restrict the penetration of light.
What other benefits will tree planting bring?
Increased food sources for insects, birds, and mammals; connectivity between the borough’s greenspaces; diversity and resilience within the boroughs tree species; improved landscapes & active land management; shade & cooling; and enjoyment of the natural world for residents and visitors.
Who will plant and maintain the trees?
GS360 Staff will undertake the planting. They will install stakes to be able to water and protect the trees for the first 3 years after planting. After this general maintenance includes annual inspections to identify any required works i.e., formative pruning and basal growth removal. When standard trees are old enough to support themselves stakes and protection fencing maybe removed.
Has Community Safety been considered?
Yes, locations have been assessed with consideration on limiting restricting future views and not creating areas to hide in. All the trees on the Green will undergo regular maintenance works as per the Councils regular tree works programme. The highways street light provision around the Green provides light into the space and all canopies are generally kept above human head height. Additionally, the Council are in regular contact with local Policing teams and communities and work together to reduce any opportunity or crime or anti-social behaviour.
Can I help look after the new trees?
Yes please! When we have long hot spells of warm weather in the Spring and Summer please use the left-over water in your water bottle to pour directly around the base of any new trees on your way out of the park.
Report any vandalism to new trees via our online form
If you have any more questions, then please contact parks@hounslow.gov.uk
