Town tree to be replaced

30 April 2010

A very large robinia tree near West Centre in Bath Street has to be taken down as it has grown too big for its location.  It will be replaced by a more suitable flowering ornamental cherry tree. 

The tree's roots are not only breaking the planter in which it is located but also breaking up the pavement. Repairs have already been made on several occasions but the situation has got worse and replacing the tree is the only practical course of action.

Transport and Technical Services (TTS) has already dismantled some of the planter to allow the root ball to come up and the tree will be taken down next week. The planter will then be replaced and the new tree planted. The whole operation should be completed in less than a fortnight.

“Making a decision to take down a tree is never taken lightly,” said Nick Armstrong, the Arboricultural Officer for TTS.  “The robinia is a forest tree and not really suitable for urban locations as it grows too big. This tree has caused a lot of damage which would have continued and worsened. Sometimes this drastic action is unavoidable. The cherry tree which is replacing it, is smaller and ideal for this kind of street.”