Seaford Cemetery Trees

Information had been posted on the cemetery notice board and letters sent to relatives of immediately adjacent graves. One letter generated a call from Somerset and the relative said that the trees had caused some concern and he was glad that they were being removed and to be replaced with more appropriate planting. Other works about to start at the cemetery are the re-tiling of the Chapel roof and renewing the tarmac pathways through the cemetery.

The Council gave a commitment to maintain the cemetery to a high standard and these works are part of the improvement programme.

The tree works are necessary because council officers identified that the leylandii trees planted many years ago were starting to cause structural damage to the northern boundary wall. An independent arboriculturalist confirmed this view. His report can be read on the Council’s website.

These trees have been removed and the adjacent occupiers of the industrial estate are pleased this has been done, having written in previously about them and the damage they are causing to their boundary wall.

The northern boundary wall is some 50 yards from the Southern boundary wall/fence line. Immediately behind the southern boundary line are 3 houses. Along this boundary to the cemetery side is a series of mixed tree planting. There are 52 trees that have been removed along the northern boundary and 18 that have been crown reduced along the southern boundary. The remaining proposed work to the southern boundary is being reviewed and further discussion held with the occupiers of the properties. Two of the occupiers directly affected have so far confirmed they are happy with the proposed works.

Some householders are pleased with the work that has been done and that which is planned. One person whose home is just south of the southern boundary fence line is not pleased because the felled trees now expose the industrial estate behind the northern wall. The new planting later this year should however screen the industrial estate over time.

At some point in their life all trees need to be maintained, some more than others depending on where they are located. Trees are a habitat for wildlife and provide character within the environment. Wildlife is protected by law and the Council takes its responsibility seriously as do the tree surgeons it engages. Inspections are made before and during the works.

An example of what happens when a tree is not properly maintained or planted has arisen this year in Lewes. A householders tree has caused destabilisation of a substantial Council owned wall in a conservation area and is likely to cost £50,000 to take down and rebuild. This is one reason why action is now needed at the cemetery. A more significant reason is to ensure that the grave spaces near to the trees are not affected.