A distinctive mature tree on a Droitwich Spa road is set to be removed after an assessment revealed safety concerns.
Work will start next week (8 to 12 December) to fell the Horse Chestnut tree on College Green, as it is infected with microscopic fungal-like organisms called Phytophthora ramorum. The name literally translates as ‘the plant destroyer’ and Phytophthora-related species are behind some of the worst plant disease epidemics in history, including the Irish potato famine in the 1800s.
In trees, the Phytophthora ramorum spores spread by wind-driven rain. When they land on a leaf, they grow into the tree by breaking down the leaf's cell walls. It then grows within the tree, blocking its water transport system, leading to dieback and eventual death.
In this case, the disease has caused decay in 30% of the lower trunk, which means it is now at risk of falling over. Given it is close to a road and property, there is no option but to remove the tree.
Work will take about three days and temporary traffic management will be in place to allow felling to take place safely.
A broadleaf Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) tree will be planted near the original location of the tree in the near future.
Cllr Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Environment, said: “It’s always a disappointment when we have to remove any tree, especially one as mature as this. However, our first job is to protect the public and we’re satisfied, based on expert assessment, the tree is unsafe and needs to be removed.
“We apologise for any disruption caused while this necessary work is carried out. We will ensure a new tree is planted to replace it as soon as possible.”
