Grounds staff have had to unfortunately remove the Cedar tree between Streatham Farm and Hatherly. The multi-stemmed Cedar had become damaged as a result of gales a few years ago, but quick action meant that the tree’s life was extended by adding some bracing between the remaining trunks.
However, in recent times the wound created became infected by a Fistulina or Beefsteak fungus which caused brown brittle rot to develop in the centre of the remaining trunks.
A further inspection using the Picus sonic decay device confirmed a large proportion of the tree’s heartwood had been damaged and the tree could suffer a brittle fracture. As this gave the tree a high hazard rating score, action had to be take to remove it.
When the tree was originally damaged a replacement Cedar was planted as a precaution and we will also be planting more than 30 young trees across our campuses during the current dormant season.
The Grounds arborists have made use of their planking saw and have converted some of the best wood from the Cedar tree to make three rustic seats. Also, this area will be re-landscaped in Spring 2017 to create a new space making the most of the view across Hoopern Valley.
