Residents of a street in south-west London are filled with sorrow after a tree was inadvertently cut down.

Premier Tree Care & Conservation mistakenly removed a cherry tree on Priory Road in Kew, Richmond, instead of one located on the same-named street in Ealing.

Neighbors reported that they attempted to dissuade the crew from cutting down the “healthy, mature, and stunning” tree, but the removal occurred in mere moments.

Premier Tree Care & Conservation expressed their “deepest regret” for what they labeled as a “human error,” promising to promptly replace the tree with a similar cherry variety.

Alison Murphy, a local resident, recounted how she tried to halt the tree’s removal, which the contractors asserted was diseased. She requested proof from the council and viewed a letter from Ealing Council on the workers’ mobile device.

“I wish I had realized that they were in the incorrect borough, on the wrong street, taking down the wrong tree,” Ms. Murphy shared.

“Another neighbor came out and confirmed that we were indeed not in Ealing and that they were in the wrong location. It all happened so quickly; it was just a matter of minutes.”

A representative from Premier Tree Care & Conservation acknowledged that the tree was “sadly taken down in error.”

“Since the incident, we have been in close communication with the residents of Priory Road to extend our apologies,” they stated.

“We recognize the intensity of the residents’ feelings, and we are committed to resolving this issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The company indicated that they had already found a replacement.

A spokesperson for Richmond Council clarified that the removal was unauthorized by them and that they are “discussing the situation with Ealing Council and the contractor to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

“The tree planting season has recently commenced, so we will be removing the remaining stump, repairing the tree pit, and replacing the tree during this planting season,” they added.

“We will seek to recover costs from the contractor.”

An Ealing Council spokesperson mentioned that they are in communication with Richmond Council regarding the best approach for the replacement tree.

“Following the incident, residents on Priory Road have received apologies and assurances that a similar cherry tree will be promptly replaced. In fact, a replacement tree has been identified, and we are awaiting instructions from Richmond Council on when it can be planted,” they noted, expressing hope that this would occur within the coming days.