The conservation area has been the fortunate recipient of the planting of previous generations. However, storms, accidents, traffic pollution and building developments have reduced this rich inheritance. Even the Minchenden Oak at the centre of Minchenden Gardens is displaying some damage and in many other areas of the conservation area, trees have been lost.
Cannon Hill Horse Chestnuts
The Horse Che
stnuts on The Green and Cannon Hill are large trees that, with age, have suffered the varying effects of weather, leaf miner and infections. But over the past few years another ailment known as ‘bleeding canker disease’ has taken hold. This causes lesions, drying out/weakening/death of the branches; trees progressively become disfigured, lose stability and can become too dangerous to remain in situ. This disease has spread rapidly across southern England and over the last few years, the forestry commission estimate that thousands of mature chestnuts have been lost. Read more about the Cannon Hill Horse Chestnuts and how SGA is fighting back here..
Trees around the Bus Shelter and Cherry Tree Slip Road
The trees around the bus shelter are in poor condition, and these will be removed but replaced with suitable sized street tree. One of the large Cherry Trees has also died near the entrance of the slip road and will be removed. The poor condition of the sponsored young cherry trees means those will be replaced.
New Tree Management Strategy– Trees are now on a two year rota for maintenance. LBE have signed a new contractor for tree planting which includes a watering contract, and root diversion system to ensure roots do not interfere with the pavement.
Survey of sponsored trees – about 40% of those planted has died. These include those on the High Street and near the Cherry Tree. These will be replaced at LBE’s expense and with a new watering contract in place, any future sponsored trees should have a higher survival rate.
Areas for potential New plantings – There are areas which would benefit from verge planting, notably on the High Street and top of Arnos Grove. SGA has identified these to LBE but members are encouraged to send us your suggestions. This year LBE aim to plant 700 trees across the borough and we want to ensure that a fair number are planted in Southgate Green.
Over the past few years, the Association has…
- Completed restorative works of the Stocks
- Held annual “ground force days” to clear litter and cut back undergrowth on pathways in the area.
- Met with the Director of Environmental Services to discuss local issues.
- Reported maintenance issues to various Council Depts. including vandalism, street repairs, litter, faulty lighting etc.
- Contacted enforcement about issues you have raised.
- Sought technical Advice from English Heritage on the old Traffic signpost.
- Planted bulbs with Enfield in Bloom on The Green.
- Planted the roundabout bed.
- Organised hanging baskets for lamp posts.