Michelle Fiers

Yes they will replace with a small new tree in the winter that take years to grow! We are on the HS2 pathway and have already seen destruction of mature trees and the replacements look like stick insects! thank you for your interest!

Thanks, seems so drastic to cut this tree that shows no sign of fungus to the naked eye! It might be another couple of years before there is any danger. Camden Council.......

Hello, i have just heard back from the council and quote below what they are saying with regards to the fungus on the birch ”No decay detection has been carried out on the tree. The reason for this is the decay caused by this fungus is affecting the roots, evidenced by the crown dying back, which is a good indication that there is a problem with the root system. Diagnostic equipment cannot detect decay below ground level unless the roots are first exposed, which in the highway is not practical due to underground utilities”. “ The association of G.frondosa and birch is unusual, but not impossible. Another fungal species similar in appearance is Meripilus giganteus which also causes a root rot resulting in tree failure. In both case our maintenance options are the same. The tree has root decay and its position next to a busy road and outside a school means the level of risk to the public is unacceptable. There are no fungal controls that can be applied and crown reducing the tree will not bring the risk down to an acceptable level for the location. So the decision has been taken to remove the tree to maintain a safe environment for the public“ The tree looks healthy with no sign of this fungus, do I have a chance in saving it?

Hello David, thank you for your feedback. I am in contact with the council’s tree department so happy to ask them their inspection methods. I am no expert at all just keen to avoid this tree being destroyed so any expert advice is appreciated!

Hello, my local council will be cutting down a beautiful fully grown silver birch because it was diagnosed with Grifola frondosa. They are saying that on inspection, dIeback was noted in the crown indicating that the root system of the birch was becoming compromised. The tree is near a road and school so they are saying it is a hazard. I am looking for any remedy to avoid another mature tree being butchered. If anyone has an idea, I would be keen to know.