A diseased tree that fell across a fence and footpath in Homefield Park, damaging two properties, has prompted a further review of the health of other trees in the area.
The tree was suffering from honey fungus disease, which would not have been visible before it fell, but the review has found that six sycamores nearby are dead or dying from sooty bark disease and must be removed.
An arboricultural expert has indicated that the removal of those trees will expose three more sycamores located near the fence line, properties and footpaths to winds, making them more liable to fall. They too are likely to succumb to sooty bark disease at some point, and their removal is also being recommended.
Other trees in the area could be allowed to grow into the space, and the site could be replanted, potentially with disease resistant trees.
Nesting season concerns
This latest blow to the landscape of Homefield Park follows a tree felling programme that began in 2023.
The new work, which will cost up to £9,000, must be done as soon as possible due to the potential dangers to the public and the likelihood that the diseased trees would spread sooty bark disease to others.
This means, like other urgent work on the site done in 2024, it is likely to take place during the bird nesting season.
As the nine trees earmarked for removal are all covered by a Tree Protection Order, consultations may be needed with both residents and the ‘tree officer’ at South Cambs Council. Permission for the work from South Cambs is likely to take 6-8 weeks , which would run into the start of the bird nesting season.
The Parish Council has pledged that “All necessary checks would be taken to ensure there were no nesting birds or other issues, and work would not proceed if anything was found”.