Where's the willow tree gone on Edgar Street roundabout?

[megilleland]

Noticed tonight that the large willow tree on the roundabout has been chopped down and all that remains is a pile of logs. Anyone know why? This is in a conservation area isn't it? Could the Highways Agency be making plans to alter the road layout and add more traffic lights? With the high traffic pollution in this area the tree would have been absorbing much of it and doing a lot of good.

[Clarkester]

So I heard, it got hit by lightning?  Strange as it's not exactly the tallest standing thing in that area, but it was badly damaged by something and was in danger of falling into the road...

Apparently...

Will be missed...

I used to hide under there on the way home from the pub if it was raining.  

[Denise Lloyd]

Willows are amazingly resilient it was apparently split down the middle but had it been out in the open countryside it would have probably recovered and lived on for many years.  That tree was one of the few pleasant things in that particular area.

[twowheelsgood]

From the Council website;

 

How do I apply to carry out work to a tree in a conservation area?

 

There are 64 conservation areas in Herefordshire and we process approximately 250 applications a year.

 

You must notify us in writing on the official notification form below, six weeks in advance of all proposed tree works in conservation areas. This is so that we can consider whether to serve a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

 

There are no applications registered on the Council's Planning website. The application may have been submitted, but the Council are so far behind it hasn't been registered yet. Or, more likely, it's just been cut down, because that's what the Highway Authority do - they have form with the Edgar Street limes.

 

[ragwert]

Contrary to speculation the Willow tree split down the middle because of the weight of branches and wet leaves.
It was damages quite a few years ago loosing it's top branches leaving the break open to the elements.
I was watching it being cut down yesterday whilst waiting for the bus & missus took some pics,will post them when she gets home.
 

[ragwert]

Few pics from yesterday

[twowheelsgood]

From a reliable source -  it was Kier who have the A49(T) contract from Highways England for this area and who took the tree down. It is not protected and the work was emergency/H&S work.

 

A very major limb had failed due to fungal damage and additional weight of recent rain and rapid growth. This left the whole tree unbalanced and other limbs were looking to fail and likely split the whole trunk top ground level. Due to the ‘emergency’ nature Kier had to act. It has been pollarded to about 5’ (below fungus and tearing from limb drop). This way tree has best chance of survival and stable regrowth. Kier will continue to monitor and if still proves to be an issue in future have agreed that removal is only last option and they have already offered to replace with a suitable alternative for location should this have to occur.

[Clarkester]

Fair play, seems like it was the best option in the circumstances.

I was finding it very hard to believe that it had been hit by lightning to be honest.

[ragwert]

 

From a reliable source -  it was Kier who have the A49(T) contract from Highways England for this area and who took the tree down. It is not protected and the work was emergency/H&S work.

 

A very major limb had failed due to fungal damage and additional weight of recent rain and rapid growth. This left the whole tree unbalanced and other limbs were looking to fail and likely split the whole trunk top ground level. Due to the ‘emergency’ nature Kier had to act. It has been pollarded to about 5’ (below fungus and tearing from limb drop). This way tree has best chance of survival and stable regrowth. Kier will continue to monitor and if still proves to be an issue in future have agreed that removal is only last option and they have already offered to replace with a suitable alternative for location should this have to occur.

 

It's cut down to the ground.It is no more

 

[twowheelsgood]

It was about 5' above ground (pollarded they claim) when I went past this afternoon - have they been back?

[ragwert]

It was about 5' above ground (pollarded they claim) when I went past this afternoon - have they been back?

[ragwert]

It was about 5' above ground (pollarded they claim) when I went past this afternoon - have they been back?

[ragwert]

 

From a reliable source -  it was Kier who have the A49(T) contract from Highways England for this area and who took the tree down. It is not protected and the work was emergency/H&S work.

 

A very major limb had failed due to fungal damage and additional weight of recent rain and rapid growth. This left the whole tree unbalanced and other limbs were looking to fail and likely split the whole trunk top ground level. Due to the ‘emergency’ nature Kier had to act. It has been pollarded to about 5’ (below fungus and tearing from limb drop). This way tree has best chance of survival and stable regrowth. Kier will continue to monitor and if still proves to be an issue in future have agreed that removal is only last option and they have already offered to replace with a suitable alternative for location should this have to occur.

 

Looking a bit more than pollarded   

 

[twowheelsgood]

And a bit less than 5'!

[megilleland]

And a bit less than 5'!

 

It should be kept as a reminder of the cuts this council has put in place over the last years. It doesn't look very pretty, just brutal.

[Paul Jones]

Fair play, seems like it was the best option in the circumstances.

I was finding it very hard to believe that it had been hit by lightning to be honest.

 

Under the circumstances, this was the only option, still sad to see it disappear. 

[Mick]

I only just noticed this yesterday. That tree has been there for as long as I can remember a shame to see it gone but little choice by the seem of it.