TREE WORK TO HELP PRESERVE HISTORIC OAK TREE ON THREE ACRE ROAD

Newbury Town Council will be undertaking essential tree work next week on a large oak tree on Three Acre Road, following inspections which have identified fungal diseases affecting the tree's root system.

The inspections have highlighted concerns that the fungal diseases are weakening the tree's root system, potentially increasing the risk of failure.

The Town Council has therefore taken the difficult decision to reduce the tree's crown by approximately 50%. This work is intended to reduce the strain on the weakened root system, helping to minimise the risk of the tree failing and protect nearby properties and residents.

Cllr Gary Norman, Leader of the Council, said, “This is a significant and much-loved oak tree, believed to be more than 200 years old, so we fully appreciate that residents may be concerned to see it reduced. Following professional tree inspections, we have had to make the difficult decision to undertake this work due to fungal diseases affecting the tree's root system. The alternative would have been to remove the tree, but we are keen to do everything we can to protect it for as long as possible.

“By reducing the crown, we hope to lessen the strain on the weakened roots, reduce the risk of tree failure and give the tree an opportunity to recover. This is about balancing the safety of nearby residents and properties with our desire to retain this important tree for the future”.