5 Ossian Road, Hornsey, London, N4 4DX

Proposal

Group of mature Sycamore trees that are currently heavily clad in ivy at the rear of properties 1 - 11 Ossian Road. These trees belong to Parkland Walk - please see attached photos of email from Alex Fraser, Programme Manager, Urban Forest & Nature Recovery. T1 - T9: Group of mature Sycamore trees (Acer pseudoplatanus) : sensitive crown reduction on all trees to suitable pruning points, reducing the overall height of each tree by approximately 2 to 2.5 metres and reducing the lateral spread by approximately 2 metres. All pruning works will be carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 – Tree Work Recommendations, ensuring that cuts are made to appropriate secondary growth points in order to retain the natural form, structural integrity, and vitality of the trees. As part of the works, the ivy currently covering the stems and primary scaffold branches will be carefully removed. The removal of ivy is recommended to support the long-term management and wellbeing of the trees. At present, the dense ivy coverage obscures the trunks and main structural unions, preventing effective visual inspection of the trees’ structural condition. This coverage may potentially conceal signs of decay, cavities, fungal fruiting bodies, or other structural defects. Removing the ivy will therefore allow the trees to be properly inspected and monitored in the future. In addition, ivy can increase wind loading within the crown and retain moisture against the bark, so its removal will assist in maintaining better physiological conditions for the trees. Reason for works: The crowns of these trees are demonstrating extensive deadwood, and have gradually expanded and are now restricting light levels into the rear gardens and properties of six adjoining residential dwellings. The proposed crown reduction is intended to improve daylight penetration into the gardens and rear elevations of these properties while maintaining the trees within a size that is appropriate for their garden setting. The works also form part of an ongoing management approach, as similar reduction works have previously been carried out on the trees. All green waste generated during the works will remain on site. The arisings will be cut and stacked in neat habitat piles in suitable locations, as requested by the Programme Manager at the Urban Forest & Nature Recovery Programme. This approach will provide valuable habitat for invertebrates and other small wildlife while supporting local biodiversity objectives and avoiding the unnecessary removal of organic material from the site.