Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
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<strong>Trees</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Realm</strong> (Draft) Page 37<br />
91. As a rule of thumb, select <strong>the</strong> largest tree that <strong>the</strong> site can accommodate, bearing in<br />
mind its size when fully grown. Fortunately nature has provided us with a wide range of<br />
tree sizes, from <strong>the</strong> diminutive snowy mespil which grows to around 8 metres in height,<br />
to <strong>the</strong> stately London plane which can attain heights of 30 metres or more.<br />
92. Site conditions <strong>and</strong> microclimate 8 affect to a significant degree <strong>the</strong> rate of growth,<br />
ultimate size <strong>and</strong> to a lesser degree variations in form within <strong>the</strong> overall shape of <strong>the</strong><br />
species. Therefore an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of site characteristics, (soil type, drainage, shade,<br />
temperature, etc) is essential to making an informed choice with regard to species<br />
suitability.<br />
Lancaster Terrace, W2: Regardless of its ownership, this tree is somewhat lost in such a large expansive space<br />
(sourced from Google Streetview).<br />
93. It may be difficult, in certain conditions to plant a tree of suitable dimensions for <strong>the</strong><br />
duration of its life. It may be <strong>the</strong>n, that replacement needs to be planned at <strong>the</strong> time of<br />
planting, with <strong>the</strong> tree never reaching maturity.<br />
Shape (Form)<br />
94. <strong>Trees</strong> come in all shapes <strong>and</strong> sizes <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong> overall size of <strong>the</strong> tree should be<br />
selected to meet <strong>the</strong> design intentions. The shape of <strong>the</strong> tree should be considered as<br />
well. For ease of categorisation <strong>the</strong>re are four basic tree shapes: round, oval, vase <strong>and</strong><br />
columnar.<br />
8 A local atmospheric zone where <strong>the</strong> climate differs from <strong>the</strong> surrounding area. <strong>Trees</strong> can have an impact<br />
on shade or wind for example.