Large leaf lime tree along Cowick lane

Case reference: 10301092​

Date submitted: 25/07/2020
​
Request: On the 24th of July (maybe a day before) the large leaf lime tree along cowick lane outside the allotments (next to the bottle banks) was topped. Please explain why this action was done in the middle of growing season? The tree appeared to be in good health and no signs of disease. Your actions have now reduced the visual amenity of the area and now that the tree is not absorbing the various air pollutants they are being inhaled by the locals. Other than a telegraph wire being within the canopy - there was no other obstacles. Topping an entire tree is not a solution if it was the telegraph wire.

You have used tax payers money to reduce bio diversity, local visual amenity and clean air - for no obvious reason. Topping a tree in full growing season is never a good idea.

I want to know who / which team made this decision and why? Why was no information given the local community beforehand? Works like this makes a huge different to the area and the locals had NO say in YOUR poor decision making. I want to know what you are going to do to mitigate the loss of the benefits that this tree can now provide due to the topping. It's common knowledge that the leaves of trees help cool down the air as well as the other countless benefits - you have now removed most of these benefits.

I would also like to know how much this works has cost.

I will not accept the usual copy and paste / cock and bull excuse of the tree getting too big for the area. How on earth is Exeter supposed to remain a green city with your awful decision making?

I am not disputing the workmanship of the topping - I am disputing the poor decision making being done by somebody within the Devon County Council.

I would also like to know the contact details of team(s) who manage the street trees in Exeter and Devon. I am hoping it's still not the one person being 'loaned' from Teignbridge as this would really demonstrate that your funding in the environment is truly lacking.

Terrence​

---

Response: 

Dear Mr Pickles
 
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Information Request 10301092
 
Further to your request for information under the Freedom of Information Act dated 27/07/2020.
 
Please find Devon County Council’s response below :
 
On the 24th of July (maybe a day before) the large leaf lime tree along Cowick lane outside the allotments (next to the bottle banks) was topped. Please explain why this action was done in the middle of growing season? The tree appeared to be in good health and no signs of disease. Your actions have now reduced the visual amenity of the area and now that the tree is not absorbing the various air pollutants they are being inhaled by the locals. Other than a telegraph wire being within the canopy - there was no other obstacles. Topping an entire tree is not a solution if it was the telegraph wire. You have used tax payers money to reduce bio diversity, local visual amenity and clean air - for no obvious reason. Topping a tree in full growing season is never a good idea.

I want to know who / which team made this decision and why? Why was no information given the local community beforehand? Works like this makes a huge different to the area and the locals had NO say in YOUR poor decision making. I want to know what you are going to do to mitigate the loss of the benefits that this tree can now provide due to the topping. It's common knowledge that the leaves of trees help cool down the air as well as the other countless benefits - you have now removed most of these benefits.
 
We understand this work was carried out by a contractor working on behalf of Exeter City Council (ECC) and was completed in error. The surveyor incorrectly included the Devon County Council tree on the Highway tree within the neighbouring ECC allotment tree group, inexplicably as they are clearly separate, and then the works were not carried out by our contractor as specified. The works order was issued on the understanding that the tree was within the ECC allotment boundary and that it would only involve a crown lift over the bus stop and some pruning away from the street light.  As this was supposed to be relatively minor work the councillors and public weren’t notified, this is normal practice for minor pruning. Unfortunately the contractor pruned the tree and then decided that it was not aesthetically pleasing, so opted to pollard it instead. This was apparently done without first consulting the Exeter City Council tree team for approval to deviate from the works order.  We also understand measures are being put in place to make sure this type of incident does not happen again and that no permanent damage has been done and that Lime trees generally respond well to this kind of pruning.  Apparently the Exeter City Council tree team are confident that the tree will put on new growth next year. Exeter City Council have apologised to Devon County Council.

I would also like to know how much this works has cost.
 
We do not hold this information. The work was carried out by a contractor employed by Exeter City Council as explained above, please contact the council directly using the information on the link provided.

I will not accept the usual copy and paste / cock and bull excuse of the tree getting too big for the area. How on earth is Exeter supposed to remain a green city with your awful decision making?
 
We do not hold this information. However, for information about how Devon County Council manages the trees they are responsible please view the published information on Trees, hedges and woodland

I am not disputing the workmanship of the topping - I am disputing the poor decision making being done by somebody within the Devon County Council. I would also like to know the contact details of team(s) who manage the street trees in Exeter and Devon. I am hoping it's still not the one person being 'loaned' from Teignbridge as this would really demonstrate that your funding in the environment is truly lacking.
 
For Devon County Council the contact details are : Environmental Landscape Management - Mailbox
 
For the contact details of the Exeter City Council Trees team please contact the council using the information on the link provided : Contact Us. 
 
We hope this information is of assistance to you.