Residents are calling on Merton council to take action to protect valuable trees from unathorised pruning after a mature ash tree was badly damaged.
Joe Worth, of Barnard Gardens, West Barnes discovered the ash tree on his street - thought to be more than 100 years old - had been badly cut back and potentially damaged.
His petition to the council has been signed by more than 80 per cent of the street’s residents.
The tree is protected by a preservation order granted by Merton council due to its value to the neighbourhood - meaning no work can be done without the council’s permission.
Councillor Mary-Jane Jeanes, ward representative for West Barnes, said, "The symmetry of our beautiful, mature ash tree has been ruined by this work. We urge council officers to take action to prevent further damage to our ash tree and to warn other people to respect the borough’s trees."
A council spokesperson said: "We are investigating the work that has been done to this tree.
"If people think a tree with a preservation order needs to be pruned, they should let is know and we will make sure any necessary work won’t cause any damage to it."
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