Carshalton’s much-loved giant tree has been officially measured again – and the results show it has grown significantly since it was last measured more than 60 years ago.
The impressive London plane beside the stream that feeds Carshalton Ponds has been remeasured following a request to the Forestry Commission, with the official results now received.
And while it may have reached its mature dimensions, the tree is certainly still going strong.
The latest measurements show that the tree is now 39.6 metres (130ft) tall, compared with 123ft in 1964. Its enormous circumference is now 7.6 metres (almost 25ft).
That means it has grown around 6% taller since it was last measured, while its girth has increased by 19%.
The measurements were carried out by Pherenice Worsey-Buck from the Forestry Commission and Simon Ffoulkes from Sutton Council’s Parks Service, alongside local resident Matt Hampshire and his son Oliver.
Matt said the results suggested the tree had now reached its mature dimensions and was clearly thriving in its surroundings.
“It has grown 6% taller since 1964 and its girth is 19% larger,” he told Secret Carshalton.
“So, it seems that it has reached its mature dimensions and is very happy in its surroundings with a stream feeding Carshalton Ponds by its side.”
Once Britain’s tallest – now one of London’s biggest
The tree’s previous measurement, in 1964, is commemorated by a small plaque at ground level. At the time, its 123ft height was described as making it the tallest London plane known in Britain.
More than 60 years later, it has actually grown another seven feet – although other London planes have overtaken it.
The Tree Register’s published list of London’s tallest trees records two London planes in Richmond at 40.40m and 40.25m, putting Carshalton’s newly measured 39.6m tree just behind them.
That makes it the third-tallest recorded London plane in the Tree Register’s list, although the Forestry Commission measurement itself is not being submitted as a new entry to a national ranking.
So, while it may no longer hold the crown, Carshalton’s giant is still right up there among London’s tallest London planes.
A tree people love
The remeasurement also attracted plenty of attention from people passing by.
One passer-by was concerned that the tree was being measured because it was about to be felled, while another was so interested that they wanted their grandchild to learn how the measurements were being taken.
And there is a long-standing tradition among local families and friends of attempting to measure the tree’s huge girth for themselves.
Matt said he had heard of numerous groups who had tried to circle the tree and see whether they could hold hands around it.
“It seems it really does hold a fond place in many people’s hearts,” he said.
The Forestry Commission described the tree as a “remarkable specimen” and a “significant feature of the local landscape”, recognising its importance to the local community.
The new measurements were established through a collaborative process involving Matt, Oliver, the Forestry Commission and Sutton Council’s Parks Service.
Matt is now making enquiries about replacing the existing 1964 plaque with one reflecting the latest measurement.
“If anyone is able to help out then I’d be happy to hear from them,” he said.
For a tree that has been standing beside Carshalton Ponds for generations, it seems the latest measurement confirms what local residents have long known – this is one very big, and very well-loved, Carshalton tree.
