Ealing Council has regretfully announced that it has become necessary to remove a large Horse chestnut tree from the grounds of Pitshanger Manor House, Walpole Park, due to serious decay.

The tree, more than 20 metres tall and in excess of 90 years of age, will be removed at the beginning of December after Tree Services detected an infection of 'Ganoderma' - a serious wood decaying fungus. The fungus eats away at the wood, causing the roots and trunk to become soft and weak. This can result in the total collapse of the tree at the base. Due to its position near Mattock Lane and the high volume of pedestrian traffic past the tree, it is prudent to remove it as a matter of urgency.

Tree Service Manager, Jan Polnik, said: "The Tree Service regrets the removal of such a significant heritage and amenity tree but the decay weakens the structure and it is impossible to predict the point in time at which the tree will collapse. Public safety must come first. "

A replacement tree will be planted in winter in the forecourt of Pitshanger Manor House to eventually grow into a large tree for the future benefit of the landscape and residents of Ealing."

The council's contractor will prepare the tree for removal on Tuesday 7 December by cutting off branches. Contingent on the completion of the branch removal, a 20 tonne crane will be used to lift and remove the trunk on the afternoon of Wednesday 8 December.

December 22, 2004