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Sycamore too close to horses
Sent to National Highways less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 9614587.
Sycamore poisoning in horses, also known as Atypical Myopathy, is a severe, rapidly acting, and highly fatal muscle disorder. It is caused by the toxin Hypoglycin A (HGA) found in sycamore seeds ('helicopters'), leaves, and seedlings. It particularly spikes during autumn and spring. The tree is close to what 3 words location skillet.trip.terminal. We try to fence the area off but this tree is just too big now and seeds can travel a long way. It is currently laden with seeds. Can this tree please be removed as it poses a huge threat to the horses in the land adjacent to it. Very rarely does a horse recover from Sycamore poisoning and we are extremely worried.
Updates
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Thank you for submitting this report.
We manage an extensive network of trees across the south of England, prioritising customer safety and overall tree health within our maintainable boundaries.
Issues such as tall trees blocking sunlight, leaf fall, seeding, or bird droppings are not included in our maintenance responsibilities. On land we own that sits away from the immediate carriageway, our policy is to allow vegetation to grow naturally unless it poses a safety concern. As part of our 3‑year inspection programme, we only maintain dead or damaged trees, or vegetation identified as a safety risk. If you’d like more information about our rolling 3‑year tree surveys and maintenance approach, please see our tree policy on our webpage.
Horse owners should be aware that the felling of Sycamore trees doesn’t guarantee the prevention of Atypical Myopathy. Cases have been reported where horses have consumed Sycamore seeds blown into their paddocks or carried downstream. It’s also possible for Sycamore seeds to disperse over hundreds of metres. Felling a mature Sycamore tree may result in more seedlings growing in the area from previously dispersed seeds. Therefore, felling Sycamore trees due to concerns about Atypical Myopathy isn’t an appropriate first course of action.
Currently, there’s no official legislation requiring the felling of Sycamore trees near land with horses. Therefore, we’re unable to allocate designated funding for the mass felling or maintenance of healthy Sycamore trees unnecessarily. Therefore, we won’t fell healthy trees unless they’re dead, damaged or identified as a safety risk I.e. falling. Should any trees require action. Then any further maintenance will be reviewed during our next 3-year tree survey cycle, scheduled for 2026-27.
Kind regards National Highways
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