Why this couple want the trees behind their garden cut down

Brian Tempest and Susan Dickerson, who live on Kirkfields in Baildon, have complained to the council on numerous occasions about trees behind their property on council land, which they claim are causing damage.

Council restoring wall after tree causes damage. Image: UGC (Image: UGC)

The couple say the trees behind their boundary walls have ‘huge canopies’ - blocking light from their garden, and have roots that are damaging their wall. They also claim the trees have been diagnosed with a fungal disease, meaning they are at risk of falling.

The Council said the Sycamore tree was an “important amenity tree” in the area and was covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), adding that it carried out regular inspections to check its safety.

Susan Dickerson said: “We’ve come to a complete standstill with the council.

“Every time we complain about the trees, we get told they are protected, and they can’t be removed - but they are causing huge problems.

Sycamore tree outside the property of the Baildon couple. Image: UGC (Image: UGC)

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“Our wall could collapse because of the roots of the trees and the tree could collapse at any point because of the fungal disease.”

Last year, a tree in the area was cut down due to a fungal disease. Susan called the tree surgeon to inspect the tallest tree behind her garden and it was diagnosed with a different fungal disease.

The council has refused to cut the tree down due to a Tree Protection Order.

The couple is unable to get home insurance as insurers highlight that any damage caused by fallen trees is not covered.

Susan added: “We’ve told the council if they cut these trees down, we’ll pay to have new ones planted.

“We like trees, but these are causing us problems, they are so close to our boundary wall.”

Last year, the council paid to restore the couple's wall.

Council restoring the wall after couple claim tree caused damage to the property. Image: UGC (Image: UGC)

“They told us it was caused by the trees and they would rather repair the wall each time than cut the trees down.

“We’ve lived here for nearly 30 years now and we don’t want to leave our home."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We have received complaints from the residents about a tree to the rear of the property over several years. 

“However, the tree is considered to be an important amenity tree in the area and is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). 

"Applications to lift the TPO have been made and turned down on review by an independent third party. 

"The tree is regularly inspected and actions have been taken to remove potentially hazardous overhanging branches. 

“We will continue to inspect the tree and have asked the resident to inform us of any change in its condition or other concerns.”