Diseased tree will continue to provide home for wildlife
The trunk of a large tree in Rickmansworth is to be retained as a habitat for insects and birds while the rest of the tree is removed in the interest of public safety.
The Beech tree, estimated to be at 100-years-old, at the King George V Recreation Ground in Mill End, has been deemed increasingly unstable after becoming noticeably infected by a fungus. But whilst this will require the tree to be reduced in size to maintain safety for users of the park, Three Rivers District Council’s trees and woodlands officers will ensure it continues to provide a vital habitat.
Cllr Jon Tankard, Lead Member for Sustainability and Climate Change, explained: “This Beech tree is infected with Meripilus giganteus, a fungus which has a rapid rotting effect on the root plates of trees. While the canopy of the tree looks fairly healthy at the moment, the presence of this fungus suggests that its structure is becoming increasingly unstable, so a significant reduction is required to maintain the safety of the recreation grounds.
“Unfortunately we can’t retain it as a large or living tree, but we can keep some of the trunk as standing deadwood for its habitat value to our local invertebrates and birds.
“Decaying wood is an important part of woodland biodiversity - it recycles nutrients back into the soil, provides food and nurseries for rare animals, as well as hosts a variety of fungi. Standing deadwood provides an incredibly valuable habitat for wildlife that can live nowhere else.”
The council will fell the tree but retain a stump approximately 1-2m in height. Officers will also plant replacement trees in the coming planting season between November 2025 – February 2026.
This work is due to take place on 21 October, subject to weather conditions.