40ft tree falls foul of fungus
A historic tree in the heart of Southwell has been felled because of a fungal growth that made it a safety risk.
The 40ft beech, thought to be more than 100 years-old, on the Burgage had three bracket fungal fruiting growths.
The growths, known as ganoderma, could not be treated and made the tree vulnerable to collapse by damaging the roots.
It was taken down on Monday morning. The branches were sawn off before the main trunk was cut down using a chainsaw. It is planned to plant another type of tree in the same location.
The leader of Southwell Town Council, Mr Peter Harris, said: “We fought hard for this tree, so it is a very sad day.
“Unlike many other trees of its type it wasn’t in a hedge row, which was quite unusual. However, we had independent advice from two tree surgeons who both said it needed taking down. The fungus eats away at the roots, so we had to take the decision in the interests of safety.
“It is a shame, but it had reached the end of its life.”
Mr Harris said the council was hoping to choose a semi-mature tree as a replacement. It will have to be a different type to prevent the fungus taking hold again.