It is sad when a tree is removed - whether it's a small street tree or a mighty tree in the countryside. We should be mindful of when a tree is felled and ask the question "why?" More often than not trees are felled due to 'Health and safety' concerns for the public. If our trees are well cared for and maintained properly - then they are likely to live a long and healthy life. Poor care and understanding often leads to weaker trees which then ultimately leads to them being felled before they reach an older age. So the next time you notice a felled tree please let me know and if possible ask the landowner for more details. We need to look after our trees!
Below is a list of any felled trees that I am aware of in Exeter. Please feel free to comment on the Blog.
TREES FELLED IN 2020
Evergreen Cotoneaster shrub in Pinces Gardens (Feb 2020). A medium sized Cotoneaster shrub was cut down to ground level - unsure of the reasons behind this. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
London plane tree (Platanus x hispanica) along Exhibition Way in Pinhoe (Janurary 2020). A good sized London plane tree was felled to make way for the new cycle path. Seems ridiculous to fell a perfectly healthy tree for a cycle path. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
Common hawthorn tree (Crataegus monogyna) by the edge of the Stone lane retail park (2020). A medium sized Hawthorn tree tucked away in the corner by Wren kitchens (formerly Currys / PC World). A small amount of fungus was found at the base of the tree so assume it was felled based on this. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
TREES FELLED IN 2019
Narrow leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) along Cowick Street of St Thomas (Dec 2019). This is one of two Narrow leaved ash trees in the small green area in front of the flats along Cowick street. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
Purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera Nigra) at Exwick cemetery (Dec 2019). This was a pair of Purple leaf plum trees which formed an archway. Due to decay fungi weakening the structure of the tree it was felled. Unsure of the exact date but it was around October to December. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
Copper beech tree (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea) at Caroline Avenue in Newcourt (Dec 2019). A large Copper beech was felled on the 11th of December due to a large amount of decay fungi being visible on the surface. For this reason the Exeter City Council made the decision to fell the tree on the grounds of health and safety. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
Snake bark maple (Acer rufinerve) at Prospect place, Flats 1 (2019). This was one of a pair of Snake bark maples in front of the two flats. The other tree was felled at some point in 2018 due to complete bark necrosis at the stem base.  Unfortunately this tree was in major decline and was felled in late 2019. Poor drainage / soil conditions are the most likely cause of both tree failures. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
TREES FELLED IN 2018
Snake bark maple (Acer rufinerve) at Prospect place, Flats 2 (2018). A small / medium sized Snark maple was felled and removed due to complete bark necrosis at the stem base. The tree was planted in the middle of a small lawn in front of the flats. It is suspected that poor drainage lead to the failure of this tree. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
TREES FELLED (UNKNOWN DATE)
Decayed trunk - Possibly a Monterey Pine (based on the what is left of the trunk and is within the car park of  Alphington Road Retail Park). There is a small amount of fruiting bodies of decay fungi on the trunk. Given it was next to a pavement with high foot fall and a busy road - it is almost certain it was felled due to Health & Safety. Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
Sorbus - Possilby a Whitebeam (based on the what is left of the trunk and is near Hatherleigh Road in St Thomas). No obvious signs of fungal decay but as it was  near a pavement it was likely felled due to Health & Safety.  ​Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.
Elm (based on what is left on the trunk and bark within the St Thomas pleasure grounds. Unsure of when this tree was felled - but if it was an Elm tree it was likely felled due to Dutch elm disease. ​Have something to say about this tree? Please use the Blog.