Selected Report

URGENT: Works scheduled for Monday, 18 November 2024. I am writing to defend a tree threatened by Council actions. <br/><br/>It concerns 28 Hornsey Lane Gardens, Highgate, N6 5PB.<br/><br/>The owner has been planning to damage or remove the beautiful tree in front of his property for several years. Last year, he managed to persuade the Council that the tree was damaging his front garden walls and depleting groundwater -- though curiously, this appears to be the only property on the street making such claims about tree roots. <br/><br/>Council responded by severely cutting back the tree, to such an extent that I feared it might not survive. Even the tree workers expressed doubt about its recovery due to the drastic nature of the pruning. Thankfully, the tree has shown good signs of recovery over the summer. <br/><br/>Now, it seems this very recovery has prompted the owner of 28 to contact the Council again, requesting additional work on the tree. I’m concerned that he may have persuaded Haringey Council to approve its complete removal, though the posted notice outside is unclear on this point. I wanted to ask if you think it might be worthwhile to step in to try to save this beautiful tree. <br/><br/>The work is scheduled for Monday, 18 November, so there is hardly any time to act, if intervention is possible. However, I worry that the Council might not respond our concerns if we reach out as individuals. <br/><br/>I know that the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee and the Highgate Society are also contacting the tree department and Council in this matter.<br/><br/>I can send photos to illustrate the current situation.<br/><br/>Best regards<br/>Dr Stefan Bauer<br/><br/>