BTF response: NEUTRAL

This is the tree in question - https://bristoltrees.space/Tree/tree/TPO-317-T2

A BTF Member comments - I am no expert arboriculturist so must leave decisions about the extent of the damage and disease affecting this tree and whether it has to be felled or not.

But I would say that as it is subject to a TPO then it will require a replacement tree to be planted. The replacement tree will "enjoy" TPO status as well and I would hope that the Tree Officer would condition the planting of a tree capable of growing to a reasonable stature to comply with TPO legislation and to respect the integrity of the Conservation Area designation.

BTF has commented:

For Bristol Tree Forum.

We accept that this tree cannot safely remain in its current state, but invite you to consider if it might be possible to reduce the tree to a safe Monolith and allow it to decline and die naturally. 

In this way the tree will continue to make a contribution to its surrounding environment and provide a habitat for many of the species that feed on and live in dead/dying trees.

If this is done, we still invite the owner to plant a replacement - assuming that, by adopting our suggestion, they are no longer statutorily required to do so by felling a TPO tree. 

 

If the tree is felled, then the replacement should the same species or be large stature native. It should be planted within the first available planting season following the felling of the TPO tree. The tree should be a minimum 12-14cm girth, and shall be planted in a suitable position close proximity of the original position of the removed tree in order to provide suitable replacement amenity value for the surrounding areas. The tree will need to be suitably protected, maintained and watered to ensure successful establishment. If the newly-planted tree dies or fails to establish it should be replaced with a tree of the same species and specification until it becomes properly established and reaches a girth of 30 cm's.