A hornbeam is growing on the drive of Tudor Cottage, adjacent to the boundary with the neighbouring property (Fernleigh, Ferry Lane, Goring on Thames RG8 9DX). The hornbeam has grown very tall and overhangs the neighbour's single storey extension. The occupants of Fernleigh need to replace the roof of this extension as it leaks (planning permission has been sought and obtained). However the overhanging branches of the Hornbeam will get in the way of builders attempting to replace this roof. Cutting off the overhanging branches over the roof would be inappropriate as it would make the tree lopsided and potentially unstable. Advice has been sought from Dave Cottrell of Tom Cottrell Landscapes (Brightwell-cum-Sotwell) who recommends reducing the crown of the tree by 35%. A silver birch stands adjacent to the hornbeam and at the top the branches of the two trees are intertwined. I would therefore request that the branches of the silver birch that are interspersed with the hornbeam are trimmed to the same level. Irrespective of the building works to be carried out by Fernleigh, Dave Cottrell feels that the tree has got too big for its current location so close to properties and needs reducing.

Tudor Cottage, Manor Road, Goring, RG8 9DR