Willow Park residents call for Monterey Pine to be removed in Poole

Despite the growing roots of a 70ft Monterey Pine tree in the car park of Willow Park in Poole causing three road surface repair works in just six years, BCP Council put a Tree Preservation Order on it to the confusion of residents.

In 2013, the then Borough of Poole council conducted surface work to the road around the tree at the retirement housing complex car park due to tarmac and kerb damage as a result of protruding roots.

This process occurred again in 2016 and once more in 2019 before BCP Council then protected the tree with a TPO.

Willow Park, Poole, residents call for Monterey Pine tree to be removed

Leaseholders at the retirement complex were initially handed a bill for the 2013 works, until resident Bernie Bodman took the decision to a tribunal on behalf of residents and won. This led Poole Housing Partnership (PHP) to exonerate leaseholders from future costs caused by the tree.

However, despite the small victory, the subsequent nine years have seen two further road repairs and Bernie says the state of the road is “as bad as it ever had been”.

He told the Echo: “Constantly laying tarmac on the road is not going to solve this issue, it has failed three times. How much longer are we going to have to keep putting up with this hazard?

“The cost is being shared by every taxpayer just for the sake of one tree. I can’t see why they don’t take that monster down and replace it with a nice willow tree.”

Uneven road at Willow Park in Poole due to Monterey Pine tree roots

As well as the uneven road surface and cracked kerbs, Bernie and other residents fear the tree itself could do serious damage in the event of a large storm.

One resident, who lives opposite the tree, said he would be a “goner” if it was uprooted during a storm.

Additionally, pine needles block guttering while large pine cones have been said to damage and dent cars when they fall. Bernie said he weighed one such cone at eight ounces – “imagine that landing on someone’s head from a height,” he said.

“It’s dangerous and can only be remedied by removing the tree. Anyone with an ounce of sense can see that.

“I love nature, I really do. But unfortunately this tree is just not appreciated.”

According to council communications, a tree with a TPO can only be worked on/removed if it is “dead, dying or dangerous”, or if it inhibits the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “In 2019 we made the decision to make a tree preservation order (TPO) (19/00010) to protect and preserve the future of the Monterey Pine tree in Willow Park after considering its merits and the positive contribution it affords to the locality.  The benefits of preserving the tree were significant at the time.

“Currently we haven’t received any formal applications for works to this tree.  Any new request would be assessed on its merits, and any requests to feel important trees would need to be supported by a tree report from an appropriate expert.  Seasonal nuisance caused by detritus and wildlife are not normally justified grounds for the removal of healthy mature trees and we would always seek alternative solutions first to preserve the natural environment.

“We do of course take people’s concerns very seriously and the Sheltered Housing Officer at Willow Palk has met with The BCP Council Arboriculture team. Plans are in place to expose the tree’s root system and to review how best to manage the surface around the tree to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the Willow Park residents and the Monterey Pine.”