One of Derry’s best known trees to be removed

 

One of Derry’s best known and most photographed trees is to be removed this spring.
The decision has been taken by Derry City and Strabane District Council for health and safety reasons under its Tree Management Programme.
The old Elm tree in Brooke Park was killed by Dutch Elm Disease over 10 years ago but rather than felling it at the time, Derry City and Strabane District Council continued to monitor the condition of the tree and carried out successive crown reductions.
The Council’s Tree and Woodland Officer Brendan Garthwaite is responsible for the management of all Council owned trees and woodlands, he says, the decision was made to remove the tree as it has now reached the end of its natural life, even as a standing structure.
He added that the council appreciated the affection that exists for the tree locally but the decision had to be taken to act and remove it in the interests of public safety.