Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council

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Page 38 Trees and the Public Realm (Draft) 95. It therefore follows that size and shape should be appropriate for the chosen location. Pillar crab apple is a medium sized tree in terms of height which has a very narrow width to height ratio. Despite its relatively short life, this makes it a good choice for locations where available lateral space is limited. It is quite a good choice in residential streets where the properties have only very shallow front gardens. Carlton Hill, NW8: The narrow-crown of these pear trees provide a more formal street planting option (sourced from Google Streetview) 96. On the other hand the ornamental privet is not such a wise choice for road side planting. Its broad canopy arises from a graft only about 2 metres above ground level and therefore nearly half of its canopy overhangs the road where it causes a potential obstruction and is at risk of damage from passing vehicles. These can also look somewhat alien in London’s streets, where naturally shaped trees predominate. . Park Lane, W1: The London plane tree outside the Dorchester hotel is a large tree that is in scale with the buildings and setting (Sourced from Google Streetview).
Trees and the Public Realm (Draft) Page 39 97. Where there is greater abundance of space it is important to understand the function, constraints and opportunities of the place, and choose a tree that is of a size and form that complements it. If appropriate a single large, impressive ‘landmark tree’ can be the preferred option. Canopy Density 98. Once a tree of appropriate size and canopy shape has been selected there are other characteristics needing consideration such as leaf size and shape, flowering and ornamental bark. Perhaps the most important of these is the density of the canopy or the arrangement of the branches. Broad-canopied trees with low spreading branches will create proportionally larger areas of shadow than will a narrow-crowned tree, which can be a positive characteristic in casting shade in the day. 99. ‘Open canopy’ trees such as birch and false acacia possess relatively small leaves that are carried on well-spaced branches. The result is a canopy that is partially transparent, allowing dappled light to filter through. They have a lightness about them that, even in large specimens, is not oppressive. ‘Closed canopy’ trees tend to have closer branching and larger leaves. Trees such as horse chestnut and whitebeam have fully opaque canopies that cast dense shade. They are good for screening but in some environments they can create a somewhat gloomy atmosphere, and can block views and affect the micro-climate. Blandford Street, W1 (left) and Gloucester Place, W1 (right): The beautiful bark, light and well shaped canopy, and moderate size of the silver birch in Blandford Street makes it an effective street tree whilst the sparser canopy of this particular Gingko is less attractive and does not complement the architecture or streetscape in this instance.
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Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council

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