Horniman Gardens, Horniman Drive, London, SE23 3BT Data via plota.co.uk

Proposal

FRONT (to main path from Horniman Drive): ONE Maple (T1)(ht.16m) CROWN REDUCE by 4m from 16m to 12m. SPREAD by 4m from 9m to 5m. REASON: A mature maple showing significant dieback throughout the crown, in a physiologically and structurally poor condition. The tree is in a prominent and visually significant location, close to and overhanging a newly created public path and garden, presenting a health and safety risk from deadwood and reduced structural integrity. The crown will be reduced to remove this risk and improve the tree's overall condition. CENTRAL (by Sunken Garden): ONE Maple (T2)(ht.6m) FELL. REASON: A young maple in physiological decline and dying, with limited prospects of recovery. Removal is proposed to eliminate the risk posed by the failing specimen. A replacement tree of a species tolerant of drought conditions and suited to a changing climate will be planted in its place, to future-proof the site's tree stock. Informative A: the replacement tree planting for T2 is hugely appreciated, with drought tolerant species, suggested species such as Gleditsia triacanthos, Koelreuteria paniculata, Turkish hazel, Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioica), Liquidambar, Bee-bee Tree (Tetradium daniellii), Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin), Crape Myrtle (Lagerstomia indica), Orange Bark Myrtle (Luma apiculate) for amenity, wildlife and shade to reduce increasingly high summer temperatures due to climate change. Informative B: please plant a replacement 'insurance' tree for T1 should it continue to decline. Informative C: please create habitat log piles with arisings for wildlife and biodiversity. Data via plota.co.uk