Dear Editor,

It is always sad when an old tree has to be removed. The beech tree on the Prospect being just the one in question at the present time.

It was reported in your paper that an official stated that the tree was dead and needed felling following the shedding of a large limb. Let me correct that statement.

The tree is far from dead as the branch work has a plentiful supply of healthy buds and the growth rate in the past few years has been good for its age. The problem is of a structural nature and if the base of the tree is studied on the north side, nearest the railings, there is a small animal hole right at the base in decayed wood.

Beech trees of this age invariably have their heart wood under decay from a butt rotting fungus which is often identified by large fungal bracts (in this case not obviously evident) and if the scar is examined, the centre wood is discoloured and decaying. That in turns means that the anchorage roots of the tree are under decay and contributing to the decision to fell and replace this specimen.

I have spent many years advising on trees and there is nothing more emotive than a prominent tree that has to be removed. I think the suggestion from Caz Holbrook is excellent and there are several fine examples in and around Hereford. However there are factors to be considered before embarking on this project. Remember that the condition of the heartwood is under decay and will decay faster with exposure to the elements. This in turn means that the sculpture should only be regarded as temporary. Just remember that the large sculpture in Goal Street, Hereford car park had to be removed and treated with preservative to prolong its existence. Therefore the practicality of the project yet again revolves around value for money and longevity of the result.

Please don’t miss the most important aspect of the original problem. We deserve a good tree to replace the one we are losing with a suitable choice of species and size fitting for the aspect it commands.

Christopher Deane,

Ross-on-Wye