Following concerns raised about the condition of a Norwegian Maple tree in St Julian’s Avenue, Guernsey, a professional survey has shown the presence of a species of Honey Fungus. This has led to the recommendation to remove the tree as it will continue to deteriorate and ultimately become unstable.
Honey Fungus, or Armillaria, is widespread in Guernsey and is frequently responsible for the death of trees and woody plants. The first indication that the disease is present is often the wilting of leaves followed by the rapid death of a tree or shrub.
There is no control of this disease once it has penetrated the plant. Once Honey Fungus is confirmed, the only effective remedy is to excavate and destroy all of the infected root and stump material. This will destroy the food base on which the fungus feeds and they are unable to grow in the soil when detached from infected material.
Weather permitting, the tree will be felled this Sunday 4th October and consequently the road will be closed for approximately 4 hours on Sunday morning 04 October 2020.
Following professional advice, Traffic & Highway Services intend to replant with a London Plane tree during the dormant season this winter. This is a hardy species which tolerates the maritime climate well and is in keeping with the majority of the other roadside trees in the Avenue.
