Unlike the idiom, we rather like all the ‘repeated’ chestnut trees around the Gardens, Hall and Parkland. There still remain the vestiges of at least two avenues of mature horse chestnut trees: the West and the South Avenue[1], as well as a number of single, probably self-seeded, specimens across the whole area, including surrounding the Church
There comes a time, however, when we must say a very sad goodbye to these old giants. This week our trusted tree surgeon contractor, Chris, spent three days suspended high in the air on a crane platform slowly, bit by bit chopping the Melon Ground Chestnut tree down to a height just above the level of the walls.
Those of you who have sat and captured the sunshine in the Melon Ground or relaxed on a summer’s evening listening to live music during the Melon Ground Sessions, will have benefitted and marvelled at the magnificent horse chestnut leaning in over the walls.
By its girth, we think the tree is about 100 years old. We don’t know, but we think it is unlikely that it was planted there deliberately. As many visitors over the
years will have seen, as it grew bigger and bigger it leant and pressed into the walls of the Melon Ground. Two circular braces were attached to the walls in an attempt to secure them and the tree kept growing and creating cracks in the wall.
The relationship, or perhaps the ‘competition’, between the tree and the wall epitomises the dilemma that our Trust constantly faces. We are obliged by our constitution to look after and conserve the historic fabric of this special garden design. At the same time we have to balance the long term needs of heritage with the environmental imperatives of nature and the planet.
Thankfully the Gardens are in a very large Conservation Area, so we are always able to consult with the relevant authorities about managing the trees as well as the historic walls.
About four years ago it was evident the tree was not well. Chris trimmed the tree to prevent any of the really large branches falling. The tree seemed to revive a bit… but this year on closer inspection It was found to be diseased pretty badly.
The lower trunk of the tree has now been left, for nature to take its course and for any bats, insects and birds that can benefit. We will be keeping an eye on the wall, to spot any movement.
What about the wood?
As always, we try to find use for ‘recycled’ wood. Some of the very heavy logs will be used in our Forest School’s story circle area, some by local woodturners
(and will be sold in the shop), the sawdust will be used in our compost toilet and other chippings as part of our mulching and composting.
Long term care of the trees
This year has seen an increase in costly major tree care work the Trust has had to undertake. A large pine on the Old Birmingham Road border, weakened by at least two vandal burnings has had to be cut down, a mature walnut, fallen during one of the storms also needed making safe… amongst many other smaller projects.
A mixture of climate change, unpredictable seasonal variations and the age of our many trees all suggest that the Trust’s budget setting for at least the next decade will have to include a much bigger figure for professional tree care…we reckon it will add another 3% to our ‘standstill’ costs of £1,000 per day.
As always, we depend on member and visitor income as well as project grants to fund these costs. Thank you for you continued support.
If you think you might be able to support our work in other ways, please do check our support pages here and come and have a chat.
[1] These Avenues were planted by Lady Ida Bridgeman in 1895 after a major storm blew down the remains of the Elm and Sycamore Avenues which had been planted in 1717.
