Family upset after tree planted at Bonnyrigg cemetery next to loved one's grave without consultation
Anger over council’s verbal agreement to plant tree
A Bonnyrigg family has been left fuming after Midlothian Council allowed a tree to be planted next to the graves of their loved ones.
A weeping willow tree was planted at Cockpen Cemetery in Bonnyrigg in December, within two feet of the graves of David McNeil’s in-laws, without David and his family being informed.
Through a Freedom of Information request, David’s sister-in-law Margo Duffy discovered that the family who planted the tree were allowed to do so through a verbal agreement with the council, instead of an expected written agreement.
When the tree was planted instead of a gravestone next to David’s family’s plot, he and his family immediately raised concerns with the council through their local councillor Derek Milligan, who passed their concerns on to the relevant department.
The tree was then moved in March from the side of the family plot, to directly behind David’s wife Anne’s parents’ gravestones, where it still stands today.
This infuriated David and Anne, who are concerned that the tree’s root system could impact their family plot.
David said: “We first noticed the tree being planted in December last year when we were tending the graves for Christmas.
“In order to plant a tree you have to get written permission from the council. But our FOI discovered that the decision was made verbally between the family who planted it and the council.
“If you check the council’s website it tells you that you have to get it in writing to plant a tree in a graveyard. So this goes against council policy.
“Our family is really upset. The roots of this tree could well interfere with the third chamber of our plot, which would mean we couldn’t use it in the future. And the roots could also affect other neighbouring plots.
“You can prune a tree above ground but you can’t control the roots. I had a willow tree a few years ago, and when I pulled it out after two years the roots were everywhere.
“We have got nothing against the family who planted the tree at all, you are entitled to tend to your grave as you wish. But the council should have said you can’t plant that kind of tree there.
“It’s just an absolute farce. This should never have been allowed to happen.”
Weeping willow roots are exceptionally aggressive, fast-growing, and extensive, often spreading up to three times the canopy width to seek water. Their shallow, fibrous, and invasive nature can cause significant damage to underground pipes, foundations, and pavements. Advice online says they should be planted at least 50 feet away from structures.
A Midlothian Council spokesman said the authority has now moved the tree away from graves. A spokesman said: “Following discussions with the family, the tree has been moved to a new site chosen by the council and planted by our cemetery staff at an appropriate distance from neighbouring graves.
“Given the topography of the cemetery, we expect the willow’s root system to grow predominantly towards a nearby wet area rather than burial plots. We will continue to monitor the tree’s growth, and if there is any indication that roots could affect a grave or headstone, the tree will be relocated or removed.”