‘Save gran’s fig tree from the chainsaw’
Housing association wants to fell trees planted by late resident
Friday, 19th September — By Daisy Clague
Shirley Murray and her late grandmother Hélène
A WOMAN in Tufnell Park is fighting the decision to fell two trees in her front garden that were planted 50 years ago by her late grandmother.
Home to bugs, birds and maybe even bats, a lemon tree and a fig tree in front of Shirley Murray’s flat in Tufnell Park Road were earmarked for removal after her landlord, Clarion Housing Association, said that their roots were damaging an adjacent garden wall.
Ms Murray has lived in Tufnell Park Road for most of her life and moved into her current flat 20 years ago, taking it over from her grandmother Hélène who had lived there since the mid-1970s.
“These are all I have left of her,” said Ms Murray.
“My grandma was amazing – such a fun, happy soul, really jolly and laughing every day. She had green fingers and she planted the trees herself. They’re part of my family’s legacy and this community’s living history.”
She added: “There’s no harm or worry that [the roots] will affect the building structure – it’s just the garden wall. I don’t see what the issue is. It feels like it’s just my garden that’s being targeted.”
The fig tree in Tufnell Park Road
This is not the first time her front garden has fallen victim to an overzealous trimmer.
In 2021, a topiary hedge that had been growing for decades – lovingly nicknamed Henry – was sawn in half by contractors where it overhung her garden wall towards the pavement.
“I was even thinking if they come to cut them down when I’m home I might tie myself to the tree to stop them,” Ms Murray joked, adding that she will now have to think of names for the trees, too – perhaps Freddie Fig and Lottie Lemon.
A Clarion spokesperson said: “The safety of our residents is our top priority, and these works were recommended after a surveyor identified a risk to the nearby retaining wall. However, we appreciate that these trees mean a great deal to Ms Murray and can confirm that we have paused removal works while we ensure that all alternative options have been explored.
“In the meantime, we will be carrying out any necessary works required to make the affected wall safe.”
