Making trees safe in Lee Valley Regional Park
Date Published: 24/02/2010
We’re about to start some work on trees across Lee Valley Regional Park to deal with problems highlighted in recent surveys.
Some trees have been identified with dead branches or damaged roots and trunks. Many are close to car parks, picnic sites, pathways, visitor access areas, buildings or neighbouring properties and so work needs to be carried out to stop them becoming a hazard to visitors.
The Park’s Greenspace Team is working with local contractors to ensure the area is safe for visitors while at the same time protecting the trees as havens for wildlife.
Where possible, any work ensures the tree’s longevity through a variety of techniques
including:
- Crown reduction - reducing the crown or top, maintaining its natural shape
- Pollarding - pruning back branches to the same point on a regular basis
- Coppicing - cutting trees down and allowing the stumps to regenerate
- Crown thinning - removing dead or diseased branches
Only after all of the above options have been considered would we consider felling a tree.
Once the tree works are complete, areas will be replanted with trees or shrubs to retain the character of the Park. In other areas natural regeneration will be encouraged.