Century old tree must be cut down on safety grounds (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Century old tree has to be cut down on safety grounds

12:10pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Helen Barnett

A LARGE tree which has stood in historical gardens for more than 100 years is to be cut down on safety grounds.

A 50ft Black Poplar tree in the Mayor’s Gardens at Dovercourt has been tested and is showing significant signs of severe rot.

Trevor Mills, Tendring Council’s horticultural and transport services manager, said that while it is a pity to have to remove such an old tree there is little option.

“The tree, which is about seven metres around the base, was picus tested last week – which is like taking an X-ray,” he said.

“The tests revealed a serious amount of rot and therefore it is considered dangerous to leave it standing in that condition in that location and it is being removed.”

The council will be trying to source a replacement Black Poplar for the Mayor’s Gardens.