Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
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<strong>Trees</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Realm</strong> (Draft) Page 39<br />
97. Where <strong>the</strong>re is greater abundance of space it is important to underst<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> function,<br />
constraints <strong>and</strong> opportunities of <strong>the</strong> place, <strong>and</strong> choose a tree that is of a size <strong>and</strong> form<br />
that complements it. If appropriate a single large, impressive ‘l<strong>and</strong>mark tree’ can be<br />
<strong>the</strong> preferred option.<br />
Canopy Density<br />
98. Once a tree of appropriate size <strong>and</strong> canopy shape has been selected <strong>the</strong>re are o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
characteristics needing consideration such as leaf size <strong>and</strong> shape, flowering <strong>and</strong><br />
ornamental bark. Perhaps <strong>the</strong> most important of <strong>the</strong>se is <strong>the</strong> density of <strong>the</strong> canopy or<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrangement of <strong>the</strong> branches. Broad-canopied trees with low spreading branches<br />
will create proportionally larger areas of shadow than will a narrow-crowned tree, which<br />
can be a positive characteristic in casting shade in <strong>the</strong> day.<br />
99. ‘Open canopy’ trees such as birch <strong>and</strong> false acacia possess relatively small leaves that<br />
are carried on well-spaced branches. The result is a canopy that is partially transparent,<br />
allowing dappled light to filter through. They have a lightness about <strong>the</strong>m that, even in<br />
large specimens, is not oppressive. ‘Closed canopy’ trees tend to have closer<br />
branching <strong>and</strong> larger leaves. <strong>Trees</strong> such as horse chestnut <strong>and</strong> whitebeam have fully<br />
opaque canopies that cast dense shade. They are good for screening but in some<br />
environments <strong>the</strong>y can create a somewhat gloomy atmosphere, <strong>and</strong> can block views<br />
<strong>and</strong> affect <strong>the</strong> micro-climate.<br />
Bl<strong>and</strong>ford Street, W1 (left) <strong>and</strong> Gloucester Place, W1 (right): The beautiful bark, light <strong>and</strong> well shaped canopy, <strong>and</strong><br />
moderate size of <strong>the</strong> silver birch in Bl<strong>and</strong>ford Street makes it an effective street tree whilst <strong>the</strong> sparser canopy of<br />
this particular Gingko is less attractive <strong>and</strong> does not complement <strong>the</strong> architecture or streetscape in this instance.