Century-old village tree standing 100 foot tall in process of being felled
The tree in Worlingham which is being felled today. Picture: Paul Chapman - Credit: Archant
A century-old tree described as a “village landmark” is being cut down.
The tree in Worlingham after the first day's work to fell it. Picture: Paul Chapman - Credit: Archant
Work to fell the Corsican Pine, which residents say has been in the village of Worlingham for more than 100 years and is over 100 feet tall, started on Wednesday and is due to continue today, weather permitting.
The tree is suffering from Phytophthora die back, a disease caused by a fungus which causes trees to die from the tip of its leaves or roots backwards alongside root rot.
A public notice was put on the tree last week, but one resident said they were disappointed the council did not contact residents via a letter.
Paul Chapman, who lives in Worlingham, said: “If there was any way to save it they could have put a letter out and I would have been happy to put £20 or £30 to save it.
“It’s a landmark of the village that will be missed.
He added: “Me and my children love it. We can see it from the front of our house.
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“I know that everything comes to an end, even trees, but I feel like nothing has been done to save it and I am disappointed to see it go.”
A spokesman for Waveney District Council said: “The tree, a Corsican Pine, is in a private garden and is in poor condition as a result of disease.
“An application for felling was submitted to the council in March and due to the condition of the tree, it was felt appropriate for the tree to be felled.”
The application for the felling of the tree states it has developed to its current size from a group of trees which have previously been removed.
It states: “Over the following decades tarmac roads and two housing estates have been built on top of the tree.
“The tree is a veteran Corsican Pine and it is suffering from Phytophthora die back (PDB) as well.”
It adds: “Due to the built on roots and PDB, the tree poses a significant risk in its current state.
“There are two major risk factors, 1) branches or the trunk shearing, 2) the whole tree blowing over.”
