Residents report ‘demoralising’ vandalism of new street trees across Hackney

Trees are being ripped apart. Photograph: Oliver Wainwright / Twitter

Vandals who have been carrying out “distressing” attacks on street trees are being urged to think about the battle against climate change.

More than 60 trees, including newly planted ones, have been vandalised in areas including Cazenove, Dalston, Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Homerton, and Springfield.

Campaigners say the trees play an important role in tackling climate change as well as brightening up the streets.

Hackney Council’s anti-social behaviour, community safety, and CCTV teams are working with the police to put a stop to the attacks.

Christine Kings from the Tree Musketeers group, which plants and cares for trees in Hackney, said: “It’s depressing, especially when you have a favourite tree.”

She has a message for those responsible: “These trees were planted by your neighbours, these trees are for your benefit and everyone’s. Come and join us in caring for them.”

Hackney Downs councillor Alastair Binnie-Lubbock said: “It’s extremely distressing to see such widespread vandalism of newly planted trees, which have already been suffering from the extreme heat and drought we’ve experienced recently.”

He said the trees should be cherished, adding:”Street trees are for everyone’s benefit and help us deal with the climate and ecological emergency.

“If you see someone damaging a street tree, please call the police immediately. ”

A vandalised tree in Clapton. Photograph: Alastair Binnie-Lubbock / Twitter

Cllr Binnie-Lubbock showed the Citizen some of the damage and said he hopes that many of the affected trees can be salvaged, and that those which do not survive are replaced in the autumn planting season.

Cllr Caroline Woodley, cabinet member with responsibility for parks, said: “We are mapping and working with police on what is adding up to thousands of pounds of damage. We can also advise on tree replacement once we’ve taken stock.”

She added: “Although this has been demoralising for our dedicated tree officers, tree carers and champions, I’m glad to say that many of the trees that have been subject to vandalism in this particular case can be saved, although it will inevitably take longer for them to mature.”

Cllr Woodley said the council is working hard to care for trees affected by heat stress after the dry spell in May.

She continued: “We are really grateful to residents currently out watering trees on their streets and also working in collaboration with volunteer groups, such as the Tree Musketeers, in supporting trees in our parks and green spaces”

People can contact streettrees@hackney.gov.uk or parks@hackney.gov.uk to get involved. They can also report vandalism of street trees at enforcementsupport@hackney.gov.uk.

Hackney Council’s tree experts quoted the late forestry historian N. D. G. James, who suggested that the best defence against vandalism is education.

He wrote in The Arboriculturalist’s Companion: “Ultimately, the best form of protection against vandalism is raising Londoners’ awareness so that they appreciate the true worth of trees and are encouraged to take a real interest in them.

“This is undoubtedly a long-term undertaking, but as schools take an increasing interest in nature and wildlife, so the prospects improve.”

Residents have been sharing their pictures, including Oliver Wainwright, who was celebrating the arrival of street trees in his neighbourhood this spring.

He said: “How depressing. Hackney Council plants thousands of new street trees and people have been ripping off branches and tearing them down.”

According to Tree Talk, 30 per cent of newly planted trees die within the first three years because of lack of care such as vandalism and poor maintenance.

The group advises: “A new tree needs at least 50 litres (five bucketfuls) a week during May, June, July and August.

“When it is especially hot, sunny and dry, that is two bucketfuls of water (20 litres) every two days. In early autumn, you can start to decrease and then stand down in late autumn until the following spring.”

People can use grey water – such as washing-up water or bath water.