The Coventry Society is objecting to the plan to cut a large branch off the Indian Bean Tree in New Union Street.
The society does not normally get involved in minor applications to remove tree limbs, but on this occasion, we feel that the proposed action is not the best solution to the problem.
The tree is much loved by Coventrians and is located on Little Park Steet, next to the former Salts tobacconist and opposite the Police Station.
One of the branches has grown over a short-cut footpath that was installed, probably in the 1990s, long after the tree was planted.
The proposed works are the removal of a limb toward the main highway; 10% reduction of upper crown and selective pruning of 2no. lateral branches projecting over adjacent footpath.
The Indian Bean Tree, Catalpa bignonioides, is native to the Southern United States. Fossil remains have even been found in the Miocene rocks of the Yellowstone River. It is a deciduous tree with a lifespan of approximately 60 years. It can grow to 40-70 foot high and is famous for its long seed
People also refer to the leaf of this species as Elephant Ears due to their large leaf size and shape, which fits in nicely with Coventry’s elephant symbols.
Records of the Corporation Parks Superintendent in 1944 reveals that he ordered twelve Catalpa bigniodides to replace war damaged trees in the city centre. Two of the other trees are in Corporation Street and Much Park Street, but it is not known where the others were planted.
The Coventry Society’s view is that the large limb, shown as needing to be removed, should be retained and supported like the limbs of the Mulberry tree near the Skydome in Spon Street. The paths around the tree should be removed and the tree fenced in like those in Stoke Park. The roadside pavement is perfectly wide enough for the pedestrian traffic.
Full application details are available to view online, by clicking on the link below
https://planandregulatory.coventry.gov.uk//planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=273882
Help us preserve this iconic tree and historic landscape feature!
Our thanks to the Coventry Tree Wardens for the photograph.