Rosebank Tree to be felled

A large tree in Rose Bank Gardens, Malvern has been declared unsafe following a recent inspection. As a result, the tree is now due to be felled.

The copper beech had been ‘under watch’ after a previous inspection, carried out by Adrian Hope Tree Services revealed the tree had been affected by the untreatable fungus Ustulina deusta. The fungus caused an area of decay, which, on this second inspection 18 months later, was found to have spread considerably. 

Because of the size of the tree, its local prominence and the damage it would cause if it collapsed (it stands very close to the Wells Road), Malvern Hills District Council's Streets and Amenities Officer requested a more thorough and detailed inspection.

The further inspection was carried out by a company called Cardiff Treescapes and various investigative methods were used including the Picus Sonic Tomograph, Resistograph and core sampling. These further investigations revealed extensive decay. The leaf cover in the tree’s canopy is also not as dense as it should be and this indicates a possible problem with the tree’s roots. The decay was discovered at the graft line (where two different types of tree were joined together when the tree was in the tree nursery); a possible weak point. An area of dysfunctional bark was also discovered on the Western side of the lower stem. This may be an indication of the presence of honey fungus; a root rotting fungus

In the interests of public safety the Streets and Amenities Officer, Landscape Officer and the Tree Inspectors have decided that it is best if the tree is felled. Although this may be considered an extreme response, lesser works to the tree were considered but discounted as the tree is very weak and unlikely to cope with the work necessary to fully address the safety concerns. The necessary extent of any reduction work would also have dramatically affected the overall look of the tree and this in turn would severely impact the look of the gardens as a whole. 

Phil Grove, Leader of the Council, is disappointed that the tree needs to go, but understands that public safety and the poor condition of the tree has made it necessary:  “It is very sad when a tree of such prominence needs to be removed. We have carried out extensive inspections in the hope of finding some alternative solution, however the damage caused by the fungus is too much for the tree to take and it would just be terrible if it were to collapse and cause harm to a member of the public.”

Felling work is expected to be carried out in the next couple of weeks. Once completed a replacement tree will be planted.

(Tree in link image is not actual tree)