Work to manage three willow trees that have been identified as causing subsidence damage to a nearby property in Weybank Close, Farnham is scheduled to begin on Tuesday (6 May).

The planned work includes pollarding a white willow, reducing one weeping willow to ground level and reducing a second weeping willow to a standing stump of approximately 1.6 metres. Farnham Town Council intends to commission a chainsaw artist to transform the stump into a sculpture later in the year.

Councillor Mat Brown, Lead Member for Environment says: “Prior to starting work, our contractor will carry out thorough checks for nesting birds and bats. If any nests or signs of bat activity are found, the work will not proceed.

“It is unfortunate that this work is necessary, but all three trees have been linked to subsidence damage affecting a nearby house, which is part of an ongoing insurance claim. We appreciate the understanding of the community as we carry out this essential work to protect a resident’s home.”

The trees are not located within a conservation area and are not protected by tree preservation orders. Waverley Borough Council has been informed and approval to proceed with the work has been granted.