Gardens and Trees

Gardens and Trees 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.

Diana Eyre, Tree Officer -  contact via email

Click here for a link to Westminster City Council Tree Section

Current Issues

Dead Trees: It has been noticed that a number of street trees have died this year. During the severe weather conditions last winter, pavements were salted and the run off mortally damaged the tree roots. In particular, sadly, the plane, donated by a Society member to replace the mature tree which came down at the corner of Grove End Road was lost. However, another tree, will be planted this Autumn.

Tree Walk: This year's tree walk took place on October 22nd. If any members would like to follow the route taken Diana Eyre has some spare copies to guide them with information on the individual trees compiled by Paul Akers.