Councillors decided at their recent meeting that public safety risks were too great to retain 11 trees along Park Road. It followed a second arborist’s report which found three could potentially fail in the short to medium term and all showed high levels of dead wood, that once removed would reduce form and aesthetics.

Five Montereys at the eastern end were competing against each other for growth and were also recommended for removal. These were the oldest of the stand, with some planted later at the western end.

“Broadly speaking, those older trees are less suitable for medium to long-term retention than the smaller, younger trees and would therefore be sensible candidates for the first round of removals,” the report stated.

If even some were left, overshadowing would result in irregular growth for replacements. 

The report, by the Sugar Factory, stated that soil compaction from cars parking underneath and adjacent to the sports fields had contributed to degradation.  

Consequently, the council will implement measures to prevent cars accessing the area. The arborist also suggested mulching as a means of limiting soil compaction and promoting tree health. 

Cr Peter Walker, who voted against their removal in February, said the arborist had bluntly spelt out the trees’ health and risk of failure.

However he asked that planting of replacements be undertaken as soon as possible.

The Montereys will be replaced with oaks as part of an Avenue of Honour project, to be officially opened on the November 11 Remembrance Day commemorations. The Avenue pays tribute to Eastgrove residents who served in World War One. More than 30 trees have already been planted for the project.