ESSENTIAL tree works are being carried out close to one of King’s Ely’s boarding houses from today (April 16) to help prevent students, staff and members of the public from coming to any harm.
Resistograph tests have confirmed that the mature Beech tree near Hill House, off Barton Square, exhibits the fruiting bodies of the fungus Kretzschmaria Deusta (Brittle Cinder) at the base of the stem.
King’s Ely’s Grounds and Gardens Manager, Will Temple, explained why the works are necessary: “After monitoring the tree for some years, our consultants have advised that the Beech tree at Hill House should be removed on the grounds of health and safety as it is infected with Brittle Cinder fungus, which can cause to the tree to fall without warning whilst appearing to be in good health. With its proximity to a boarding house and a regular working area within the school grounds, the decision has been made to go ahead and remove the tree.
“We have already purchased a new tree, which will be planted in its place on Hill House lawn once the works have been completed.”