This is an example of what a Tree Warden report to their Parish Council might look like.

TREE WARDEN REPORT AUG 2015

1. Following a complaint about a neighbours high boundary hedges received from Mrs XXXXof
Anystreet I visited and inspected the hedges. he neighbours drive and garden, where they
border No 5, have hedges between 7’6” and 10’ tall. he hedge along the neighbours drive
comprises of leylandii species and the hedge abutting the rear garden of No 5 is a collection
of evergreen shrubs which have become so overgrown as to form a hedge. Within this hedge
is a large conifer (again laylandii species) of about 50ft in height. It was clear that
conversations had taken place between the neighbours but no compromise had been found.
I subsequently called upon Mrs XXXXXXX the neighbour and owner of the hedges in
question. I had an amicable conversation with her, in which I discussed the law on high
hedges and her obligations and then gave advice on how to reduce the hedges, offering to
help choose replacement shrubs that would be more appropriate.
Following further discussions with both parties, it was accepted by Mrs XXXX that she was
obliged to reduce the height of the hedges and having discussed the situation with her
husband, agreed to do this. Because of the cost potential in having contractors carry out the
work, I was told that they would carry out the work themselves and therefore it would take
some time. hey declined to remove the large tree, and as it is debatable as to whether it
could be included as part of a ‘hedge’ I did not pursue this aspect. I have pointed out that
this tree will grow to considerable heights and the taller it gets the more costly it will be to
remove. I offered to recommend replacement trees in the event of its future removal.
Mrs XXXXX is satisfied with the outcome and the matter is resolved.

2. I called upon Mr and Mrs XXXXXX having noticed that the large oak tree growing at the front
of their property was showing signs of die back. Large branches were practically denuded of
leaves and other branches were only sparsely leafed.
his tree is approximately 300 years old and would have been in situ when the famous
painting by John Crome of he Poringland Oak (believed to have been painted at this
location and featuring the pond which is close by), was carried out the tree is subject to a
Tree Preservation Order.
I voiced my concern to Mr and Mrs XXXXXX who were themselves concerned and welcomed
my enquiry.
On closer inspection, not only was the tree losing leaf cover, but there was evidence of bark
loss and rot around the base. I recommended that Mr and Mrs XXXXXX consult a qualified
tree surgeon. Yare Valley ree Surgeons have been contracted to investigate the best way
to deal with this tree and this firm are making arrangements to have discussions, on site,
with officers of South Norfolk Council (SNC).
It seems likely that this tree will have to be felled. In my view, the premature demise of this
tree is because housing development was permitted within the established root spread of
the tree, causing stress from water and nutrient loss, thereby making the tree susceptible to
fungal infection. I also noted that the pond has been ‘gentrified’ by having its sides bricked
or timbered. Ordinarily an oak of this stature, in good conditions, could be expected to grow
for 300 years, remain mature for 300 years and take a further 300 years to decline.
he loss of this tree would be a loss to the local scene as well as a loss to village history,
through its associations with he Poringland Oak.

3. I received a call asking for advice from Mr XXXXXXX of ANy street I inspected an oak tree
in his back garden which is showing signs of stress. Some boughs of this tree extend over a
driveway of XXXXXXX School and the school have, without consultation, lopped off boughs in
an unsympathetic manner. I was also told that the tree had suffered a scale insect attack last
year. I noted that the tree was showing darker areas on its bark which may indicate fungal
attack – possibly through the roughly lopped boughs.
I have provided Mr XXXXX with contact details of SNC approved tree Surgeons and advised
him to seek professional advice, which he is doing.

4. I was asked by friends of Mrs XXXXXX of Anystreet to give advice on trees in her garden,
which had large branches growing out over the gardens of properties under construction by
Norfolk Homes. Mrs XXX is very elderly, nearly blind and quite deaf. She was concerned that
these trees might cause difficulties with her new neighbours but she did not have the energy
or finances to deal with the potential problem.
here are three trees with the potential to cause problems. One an oak, the other a bird
cherry and a Californian Redwood.
I spoke to Norfolk Homes who promptly carried out the works to raise the crown and
remove overhanging branches, from all the trees, at no cost to Mrs XXXX
I spoke to Mrs XXXX about the Californian Redwood. his tree, which has the capacity to
grow to gargantuan proportions, was brought back from America by her son. She has
sentimental attachment to the tree and has no wish to remove it.

5. I was asked for advice by Mr XXXXXX of Anystreet. His family have not long moved into the
property. He is concerned about a large oak tree growing on his house boundary with the
garden of Mrs XXXXX of Anystreet. He stated that the tree sways alarmingly in high winds
and he is concerned that it could fall on his house.
The tree, which appears to be self-seeded into the boundary hedge, is either a multi trunked
specimen or two trees growing in close proximity, and is some 60 tall. Some of the trunks
appear to me to have ‘welded’ together. If this is the case, then the trunks could be at risk of
tearing apart and collapsing in high winds, or as the weight of this still growing tree
increases. he problem is that the bark continues to grow between the trunk weld,
preventing a solid seal, thus causing an inherent weakness. Additionally, there are crossing
branches in the tree canopy which are causing abrasion damage, which will allow infection
into the tree.
Mrs XXXXX is very attached to this tree and to protect it from impromptu amateur tree
surgery by another neighbour, has petitioned SNC in the past, for it to be made subject to a
ree Preservation Order. his request has been refused.
I will be asking for this tree to be inspected by an officer from SNC to ascertain what works,
if any, need to be done, both for its own sake and that of the neighbouring property of Mr
XXXXXX.Mrs XXXXX does not have the finances to undertake any tree surgery that may be
required and is most unwilling for any works to be undertaken, unless they are for the well-
being of the tree.
I will make recommendations once the tree has been inspected, and spoken further to Mrs
XXXX and Mr XXXXX
ROBIN – WOULD YOU PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR HUGH TO INSPECT THIS TREE
AND REPORT HIS RECOMMENDATIONS  MANY THANKS

6. Miss XXXXXXX asked for advice on the possibility of finding a place for a replacement tree,
following the loss of trees on the site being developed by Big Sky on XXXXXXX. Her mother
lived on this site and had planted trees in the garden of her now demolished home. I have
had conversations with SNC and Mr XXXXX of Saffron Housing, and arrangements are in
hand to plant a suitable tree on the green in front of West View, opposite the new
development.

7. Following a conversation with the Parish Clerk, I have been provided with Poringland Parish
Council business cards with which to identify myself – for which I am grateful.
Tree Warden
Poringland Parish
H 9999999  M 9999999