The Mews Bowling Green Road Riversmeet Topsham EX3 0BE
Sycamore (T1) - It is recommended to approve the felling of the tree due to significant bark damage caused by grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). Grey squirrels are known to strip bark from trees, particularly during the spring and summer months, to access the nutrient-rich phloem layer beneath. This activity disrupts the tree's vascular system, impairing its ability to transport water and nutrients, which can lead to reduced vitality, increased susceptibility to disease, and ultimately, tree death. In this case, the extent of the damage has compromised the tree's structural integrity, posing a potential safety risk.Additionally, the tree's canopy fails to contribute to the visual amenities that enhance the character and setting of the Conservation Area. A healthy and well-structured canopy is essential for maintaining the aesthetic and ecological value of such areas, providing shade, habitat for wildlife, and visual cohesion with the surrounding landscape. However, this tree's canopy is sparse, uneven, or otherwise detracts from the overall visual harmony of the area, diminishing its contribution to the Conservation Area's distinctive character.