8 Thurlow Road Torquay TQ1 3DZ
1. Removal of Sycamore tree at rear of back garden.The reasons for removal are: the specimen is approximately 20 years old. It is most likely a 'weed tree' from other more mature sycamores in the adjoining garden. It is very unlikely to have been planted deliberately. It is located 1.5 metres from rear boundary and 3 metres from south side boundary. The sycamore is a non native woodland tree and is not a suitable tree for a modest sized town garden due to its potential size. They can grow up to 35 metres in height - the garden is only 14.5 metres long. The garden already contains a mature magnolia tree, crab apple, plum, Japanese Acer, Chilean lantern tree and 2 apple trees (one Bramley and one Cox). My plan is to replace the sycamore with a native deciduous tree, for example a rowan tree, of a more appropriate size for the garden. This would add to the biodiversity of the area, provide blossom for bees and berries for birds. The sycamore provides little benefit for butterflies, bees and birds and there are already several other specimens in the next garden.2. Pruning of mature magnolia tree at rear of back garden. Branches are interfering with telecom wire. Flowering display in 2023 was poor and the tree would benefit from professional pruning, removal of vertical spurs and to bring below the level of the telecom wire . This will need to be done after the 2024 flowering and before the buds set for next year - over the summer months.3. Removal of Torbay Palm (Cordyline) to north side of property . I would like this removed due to its very close proximity to the property. This is an old specimen with multiple spurs some of which are dead. It is very close to the north side of the house - around 1.8 metres - and is right next to the neighbours' wall. There is little or no environmental benefit to this large tree, it is non native, the leaves do not decompose in the garden compost bins and have to be taken to the Paignton recycling centre. I do not propose r...