Trees at the centre of a campaign to save them have been chopped down in Cardiff, despite over 1,000 people signing a petition against it. The 100-year-old lime trees in Riverside were felled by tree surgeons on Wednesday, following an insurance claim made by a property owner regarding the trees’ impact on nearby homes.
Residents had learned of the plans to cut down the trees months ago, sparking a backlash. The decision to proceed with the felling was based on a report commissioned by the council earlier in the year, highlighting concerns that the tree roots were damaging properties on Neville Street.
The petition, led by resident Mike Johnson, garnered significant support with 1,100 signatures. Johnson argued that removing the trees would harm the environment and detract from the area’s aesthetic appeal, cherished by residents and visitors alike.
The controversy continued as the trees were taken down despite the community’s opposition. Signs reading ‘Sign to save’ and ‘Help save me, don’t kill me’ had been displayed prior to the felling. The Cardiff council justified its decision, stating that investigations confirmed the tree roots were compromising the structural integrity of residential properties.
The council has outlined plans to address the issue by installing tree root barriers and planting replacement trees in the future. While acknowledging the gravity of felling trees, the council emphasised the imperative to prevent further damage to homes on Neville Street. The removal of the lime trees has sparked debates about the preservation of green spaces amidst urban development in Cardiff.