Application for the felling of a dead horse chestnut tree and a dead box tree protected by a tree preservation order due to safety concerns from falling limbs.

Full Proposal

TPO 954 T1 -Horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) Multiple stems from the base.Tree died due to pest damage from leaf-mining moth (Cameraria ohridella), subsequent disease (probably Bleeding Canker) and drought, such that its wood has become rotten and weak after infiltration by wood/bark beetles. This tree recently lost a large limb that fell onto the public highway without any warning. T2 -Box tree (Buxus sempervirens) Three main stems from the base, This precious specimen tree tragically died after repeated infestations with Box Tree Moth caterpillars (Cydalima perspectalis) over the past few seasons. Both trees now require very urgent removal because they have been dead/dying for at least a couple of years, and in the recent drought conditions have become likely to sudden limb drop, as was evidenced at 12:20pm on Wednesday 5th August 2026 when a large limb fell onto the public highway blocking the pavement and partially obstructing the road. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the need for urgent removal of both trees was recognized as they are highly likely to harm people or property if there is another limb drop. We are able to list the condition of the trees (above) with a good degree of confidence because I have a background as a biologist (with a degree from Aberdeen University) and having consulted with a tree surgeon (TJ TREE LTD) who knows the two trees in question from previous work in the area. Both trees ought to be completely felled.