A variety of the common Hornbeam, fastigiate specimen such as this one in Wanstead Park Avenue became a common street tree. With thir ascending branches, the idea seems to have been to take the foliage above the level of the upper windows of the houses, as well as not overshadowing the road too much, either. However, they still grow into substantial trees and in many streets nearby the root systems are now beginning to lift the pavements.