When I survey a site, I am looking for trees whose condition and position enables them to make a contribution to the setting. Each tree being retained needs to justify this. There are occasions when I visit a site and consider that none of the trees present is worth retaining. For those unfamiliar with trees, the distinction is often not evident. The following case study illustrates the point: In 2012, I was the arboricultural consultant for a proposed development to regenerate the site of a former hospital in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
A mature Beech tree was one of the main trees on the site. Its retention was clearly important, and I ensured that this was highlighted with no construction activity within the Root Protection Area. The developer was trying to accommodate an old Willow tree, of far less value and importance. I suggested that a new tree planting scheme with several substantial replacements could mitigate the removal of the Willow, enabling more efficient use of the space around it. It was likely that the new trees would be making a contribution in ten years’ time. I wasn’t sure I could say the same about the Willow! It is important that such proposals are presented with technical evidence to justify them when they are considered by the planning officials, otherwise false alarm can be raised.