Trees in Nailsea with ash dieback disease will not automatically get cut down.

Although Silverback Arboriculture Consultancy said five trees must go after a comprehensive inspection of all trees growing on land owned or managed by Nailsea Town Council.

In a detailed report by Deb Randall, she recommended two trees at Hannah More play park, two on Festival Way and another at the Grove for immediate removal.

She found evidence of ash dieback disease at Hannah More play park, Festival Way, the Grove, Whitesfield Road allotments

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But, say worried householders, North Somerset Council tree officers are protecting many trees with:

• Blanket TPOs;

• Signs of disease;

• Dead branches; and

• Roots going under neighbouring properties.

 

Ash dieback is a chronic fungal disease that has been spreading across the UK.

It was first recorded in Worcestershire in 2016 and now appears to be widespread in the county.

But in Devon the advice is: 'Do not fell live infected ash trees unless for public safety. There is evidence that a small proportion of trees will be able to tolerate the disease and recover.'

And the principal tree officer Cathy Lynch agrees.

She said in a letter to North Somerset MP Liam Fox who was trying to get some clarity on the situation to wait and see.

Ms Lynch said: “The ash tree at Quarry Way is a significant feature with good amenity value.

“I did not see any obvious deadwood in the crown at the time of my visit and in stormy conditions it isn’t unusual for trees to shed deadwood.

“Storm Eunice caused an unusual red weather warning with trees, buildings and structures suffering damage across the country.

“The tree is overhanging the garden of properties and there are signs that branches have been cut back in the past but there is adequate clearance between the tree and the building.

“Birds are wild animals and we have no control over their habits, we cannot prune trees to try and discourage wildlife.

“We will continue to monitor the tree and if action is required due to ash dieback disease, we will schedule this in.”

However, a conciliatory offer was made to reappraise this summer by ‘re-examining when the tree is in full bud’.

At the same time damage to a wall and risk to schoolchildren who use the route to get to school will be re-visited.

Meanwhile with TPOs confirmed on all the greenery growing between Birdlip Close and Bibury Close neighbours worry the overgrown beeches are damaging their homes.