Three mature Poplar trees on Beacon Park’s golf course located near to Morrisons and Greenhough Road were felled this week following expert advice from a qualified tree surgeon and arboriculturist because they had started shedding boughs and branches and posed a real threat to park users,
Believed to have been planted in the early 1960’s, with a usual lifespan in the region of 50 years, the trees are now unpredictably shedding large branches that could cause a danger to the public.
This decision therefore has been made in the interest of public safety due to their proximity to well-used paths and open spaces and some areas of Greenhough Road car park.
The trees are not subject to any preservation orders, and careful consideration has been given to both the safety risks and the impact on the surrounding landscape.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks & Waste, said: It is very regrettable when we must lose mature trees, but the safety of our park visitors is our top priority. Our trees are regularly inspected and when we receive professional advice we must act when there's a real risk to the public. We will carry out replanting in the autumn when the conditions are right to ensure we add back the lost trees into the park."
Replacement trees will be chosen to cope with our changing climate and provide shade for future generations - these will be planted in the autumn when the conditions are right.
The remaining nearby poplars will be examined by a tree specialist to determine whether any further works are required and remain cordoned off until further notice.
The removal of the trees is not connected to the Padel tennis court (view planning application and associated documents), which are set to be built nearby and do not require the removal of any trees.
Councillor Whitehouse continued: We’re always really disappointed to remove mature trees, but the safety of our park users has to come first.
If you have any questions, please contact: parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk