Horse Chestnuts at Risk
We are receiving an increasing number of calls regarding the threat to Horse Chestnuts after a series of high profile media stories.
Horse Chestnuts are suffering stress due to three winter droughts with below average rainfall. They are also being attacked by a pest, the leaf minor moth, whose larvae burrow into the leaves.
In addition a disease, bleeding canker, causes a dark oozing from the bark and damage to the trees transport system. Over a period of time this can spread, leading to tree or limb death and the need for remedial action.
As a result of our concerns the Arboricultural team attended a workshop run by Forest Research, the Forestry Commission's research arm. We were given an invaluable insight into the latest research by the Head of Disease Diagnostic and Advisory Service, Tree Health Division.
Since this time we have been monitoring the situation closely and have created a database to continue to track the condition of the borough’s Chestnuts. We have had to remove three highway specimens this year due to bleeding canker and are able to offer best professional advice to any resident concerned about the condition of their trees.
Planting Trees in Hampden Park
The Tree Council Seed Gathering Season 2006 started on 23 September (the autumn equinox, considered to be the first day of autumn) and continued until 23 October.
We have worked with ‘Shines’, Eastbourne's home education group, preparing an area of Hampden Park, where the children planted the seeds they had gathered.
30 children attended the session and were given a talk about seeds and trees. They were all sent home with seeds planted in pots for further study. The group will be back in the park in the spring to see how many have germinated.
Street Trees Tidied
The street tree epicormic removal contract has been completed by our contractors within our timescales and budgets.
Epicormic growth refers to the growth at the bases of certain types of trees on the highway. If left to grow, it can cause an obstruction for pedestrians and block the view of road users.
This work is essential in the interest of safety to protect highway users and improves the aesthetic appeal of the avenues of trees.
Hazard Abatement
Hazard abatement surveys have been carried out in the Old Town ward. The results have been used to produce a street tree pruning contract, which starts in November.
Every tree is examined and works are scheduled based on the condition and location.
Further Information
If you would like to know more about any of the subjects in the November 2006 news page, please contact us:
