TWO trees in the grounds of the Hunt Museum are to be removed and a third examined for disease damage, following a health and safety risk assessment.
Stating that while it was sad that the trees had to be removed, Museum Director Jill Cousins added that they also had to consider public safety and the possibility they could cause injury.
“We will look at options of creating wildlife refuges of the trunks, rather that total removal or maybe making sculptures from the wood in situ, depending on the results of public consultation. The Office of Public Works (OPW) will be replacing them with new native Irish trees and the views of the local community are being sought on their replacement,” Ms Cousins added.
A recent tree survey to check the condition of the trees and undertake any necessary action was carried out by an independent OPW contractor. The results, which were further verified by a second arborist, showed that a large chestnut tree has an infection and displays blight on the two main scaffold boughs.
The tree is said to exhibit “excessive crust formations which girdle and compromise tree soundness and tree structure stability”, with the recommendation now that it be removed to maintain health and safety requirements in this public space.
There is also the recommendation that a second tree, a Lime tree, located on the narrow shrub bed close to the main gated entrance, be removed.
If this tree is left in situ it could impact on the adjoining masonry structures, presenting a risk to health and safety.
A third tree, a London Plane, also needs further investigation at the crown level before a final course of action is recommended.
The Hunt Museum says that it wants to make sure that any decisions with regards to the trees are made in full consultation with the public. It has a web consultation page where the public can read the full survey results and leave their thoughts and comments. They can also complete a live public opinion survey on the best course of action.
