Trees and Gardens

Trees and gardens are as integral to the character of St John’s Wood as its distinctive architecture. Early maps and plans clearly show how the area was developed, from the late 1820s, with tree-lined avenues and villas set in large gardens featuring many trees. Although some of these gardens have diminished in size and most of the original trees have long since gone, the importance of maintaining the original garden suburb nature of ‘The Wood’ is a priority of The St John’s Wood Society.

Residents must obtain permission for all tree maintenance work (not only for the many trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders) from Westminster City Council; the Society monitors these applications closely and endeavours to make sure that the work is completed to the satisfaction of neighbouring residents and the community as a whole.

Advice on all aspects of trees is available from problems of established trees to planning new plantings. The Society organises regular Tree Walks, led by Westminster Council’s Arboricultural Officer, to look at the best and most interesting trees in the area.