A well-loved tree in Frome that was deemed unsafe for nearby buildings and passers-by has been cut down.
The copper beech tree in the churchyard of St John The Baptist’s Church had been suffering with a fungal infection caused by ganoderma, commonly known as white rot, for many years. Hi-tech surveys of the tree revealed that major decay has progressed to the point that the tree’s trunk is not strong enough to support it.
Mendip District Council had been left with no option but to fell the tree as it posed an unacceptable risk to public safety.
Stuart Finney, team manager for operational assets said, “We’ve been monitoring this tree for 11 years and have tried various methods to extend the tree’s life, such as reducing the tree canopy, but unfortunately the decay is now too far spread.
“Specialists have used state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to measure the spread of the fungus within the tree’s trunk and the internal density has been compromised to a point where it’s no longer safe to remain standing.
“The safety of the public using the footpath under the tree is our main concern, and to ensure no one is injured by falling limbs, we must move quickly.”
Cllr John Parham, portfolio holder for finance, governance and public spaces said, “It’s a real shame that this tree which has been standing for hundreds of years has to come down, but the public’s safety is our number one priority.
“A replacement tree has already been planted in the graveyard and although this doesn’t replace the large old copper beech, we hope it will help mitigate the felling. We are also in talks with local interested groups who may be able to use the healthy wood from the tree to create items for the community.”
The contractors have initially felled the tree to a height of 12ft, and now an assessment of the remaining trunk will be taken to determine if it’s safe to stay at that height or whether more needs to be taken off.
The tree has been under threat for over a decade and a campaign to save it ongoing. However, it has now become clear that the tree is unsafe to keep.
Local tree expert Julian Hight said, “I’m disappointed that it has come to this as this is really the last ancient tree in the town centre. I believe it’s about 170 years old – it was planted at the church in 1855 but was already quite well grown. It would be fine if it was in a field or a wood but it’s just too risky to keep it in such a busy area. It’s sad to see it go but the timber will be kept for future memorials and Mendip District Council has agreed to retain as much of the trunk as possible for biodiversity.”
