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Gardening

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Original poster

Will this grow back?

14 replies

PeloFondo · 12/09/2022 17:41

I know nothing about gardens. My ridiculous management company have done this to my tree
And no, they're not cutting or trimming the other side so it's now wonky
Will it recover?

OP posts:

Surtsey · 12/09/2022 22:52

What sort of tree is it - some sort of cherry? Hard to tell without seeing the leaves.

Original poster

PeloFondo · 12/09/2022 22:59

Surtsey · 12/09/2022 22:52

What sort of tree is it - some sort of cherry? Hard to tell without seeing the leaves.

Honestly not a clue! I can take a close up pic tomorrow. They were planted when it was a new build about 16 years ago by the site

OP posts:

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 12/09/2022 23:02

It looks like some sort of prunus. It would have been better to take some of the top off as well, it looks very unbalanced like that. It will regrow, but very twiggy and dense.

Original poster

PeloFondo · 12/09/2022 23:09

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 12/09/2022 23:02

It looks like some sort of prunus. It would have been better to take some of the top off as well, it looks very unbalanced like that. It will regrow, but very twiggy and dense.

I did suggest to them (despite knowing nothing about trees) that they could have trimmed it more gently and well, vaguely shaped it
The messages I got back were

as the contactors wouldn't want to prune the tree too much, they only saw fit to prune the side causing the problem which wasn't necessary to cut back the tree on the road side.
I believe the contractors will cut back the tree to where the branch in question is causing the issue, so it doesn't cause a re-occurring problem to the residents.

OP posts:

Pixiedust1234 · 12/09/2022 23:12

I would question the contractors ability and qualifications tbh. Or is it a general handyman that plumbs, grouts and oils door hinges....

Original poster

PeloFondo · 12/09/2022 23:18

Pixiedust1234 · 12/09/2022 23:12

I would question the contractors ability and qualifications tbh. Or is it a general handyman that plumbs, grouts and oils door hinges....

My management company are a shower of shite. I regularly turn them away for coming to cut this grass. They actually mow around the bins on bin day
6 of them turned up today to butcher that tree, it's no wonder they charge us so much!

OP posts:

IcakethereforeIam · 12/09/2022 23:43

Do they use a strimmer round the base of the tree? If they ring the bark (and it looks damaged), they'll kill the tree.

Original poster

PeloFondo · 13/09/2022 00:00

IcakethereforeIam · 12/09/2022 23:43

Do they use a strimmer round the base of the tree? If they ring the bark (and it looks damaged), they'll kill the tree.

Yes. Basically any form of power tool they can flatten grass with is their weapon of choice
It's absolutely crazy but the only thing I can do is send them away every so often. But I still have to pay for it via the management fees

OP posts:

Pixiedust1234 · 13/09/2022 00:05

Is there a complaint procedure? I'm pretty sure that management companies have a duty of care(??) when employing contractors. Ask to see their tree surgeon license. No idea if they need one but I'm guessing neither of them do too.

What about the other residents who share this management or aren't they bothered?

One other point. Would management be willing to reduce your payments if you agreed to take over the mowing?

Original poster

PeloFondo · 13/09/2022 00:10

Pixiedust1234 · 13/09/2022 00:05

What about the other residents who share this management or aren't they bothered?

One other point. Would management be willing to reduce your payments if you agreed to take over the mowing?

Not bothered. The majority of the flats are rented, my block is v small and I'm the only one with a garden
And no, they only care about money (v typical company) and had us all pay a £445 deficit per flat last year...
it's a losing battle I've been fighting for years but I flipped when I saw this today. They didn't even notify me, just climbed over my fence and cut it back

OP posts:

Pixiedust1234 · 13/09/2022 00:18

hmmmm can citizens advice help? If you are paying rent (or own) that garden surely they are trespassing? Do all residents pay towards it? Tbh I'm guessing its leasehold ground but certainly go find out your rights if it "belongs/tied to" to your flat.

I'm sorry, it breaks my heart to see things like this. Do none of them read or hear the news about how much we need trees and non tarmac areas to help with flooding. Ugh!!!

Original poster

PeloFondo · 13/09/2022 00:35

I own. Yes all flats pay fees. Garden is mine but maintained by the company as part of the lease
Probably so I don't throw wildflower bee bombs all over it and let it run wild sadly
I've told them they need to give me advance notice from now on and they tried to claim it's a communal area. Once I pointed out the contractors climbed over the fence they seem to have backed off a bit

OP posts:

Pixiedust1234 · 13/09/2022 00:47

I'm really out of my depth if leasehold is involved but if its yours then surely you can do what you want with it. What if you want roses? Is there a council bylaw that states all frontages have to be flat grass?

It might be time to find your contract and deeds, and take them down to citizens advice. Leasehold laws have been relaxed so maybe cab can find you a tiny little loophole?

Original poster

PeloFondo · 13/09/2022 01:09

I can but not with the grass as such because they maintain it
Not a garden person but I wanted to do a little corner with those bee bombs? They just mowed over it (I was at work and couldn't stop them in time)
So could do borders/plants in tubs but that's about it

OP posts:

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