‘Not enough evidence’ to chop down giant tree that leaves Wellington residents ‘stressed and anxious’

The 100ft tall Wellingtonia tree – otherwise known as a giant redwood – that looms behind properties at Lindfield Drive, Wellington is covered by a tree preservation order because it is so striking in the landscape.

A 91 year-old homeowner told Telford & Wrekin Council in support of a bid to chop it down that every time there is a storm or bad weather it causes a “great deal of stress and anxiety.”

“Over the years I have had several branches fall, one narrowly missing hitting me and others causing damage to my property; damaging the roof and eaves and resulting in costly repair work,” the resident told the council.

“The debris from the tree is constantly blocking gutters and drainpipes again requiring remedial work.

“My neighbours have all experienced the same. The tree also blocks out much of the natural light to the property. I am a 91-year-old homeowner and every time there is a storm or bad weather it causes me a great deal of stress and anxiety.”

In assessing an application to fell the tree, an arboricultural officer at the council said there has been “no assessment of the failure point to ascertain what proactive measures could be undertaken to retain the tree in the landscape.

“Measures such as a crown reduction, pruning the failure out and feathering the side branches in. Additionally, no supporting evidence has been provided to justify the loss of the TPO tree.”

Tree care specialist Benbow Brothers, based at Lee Brockhurst, near Shrewsbury, submitted photos of fallen branches and recent damage but it wasn’t enough to allow the tree to be cut down.

Benbow Brothers had told the council that the application is based on the regular loss of limbs and risk to public and property.

“The recent Storm Eowyn has resulted in further limb loss and damage to property.”

The company had told the council that the large mature Wellingtonia has been a problem and limbs have frequently been shed over the course of many years.

“Fortunately, damage has been minor, involving no personal injury, to date.

“However, the potential for further failure and significant damage in this location is high and our application is for removal of the tree to remove continuing risk to residents.”

The council told the residents that the proposed felling of the historical tree due to falling branches is unjustified when considering its visual amenity, age and protection.

“As a significant and mature tree, its presence provides both aesthetic and environmental benefits, contributing to the visual amenity of the area.

“Felling should only be considered as a last resort, with careful evaluation of all alternative solutions. In this instance no technical information or justification from an Arboricultural Consultant has been provided.”

Benbow Brothers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they would be applying again with more formal information to get the tree removed.