Moth larvae kills tree

Tuesday 06 December 2022

A tree outside St Appoline's Chapel is being felled today after an infestation caused it terminal damage.

The turkey oak is in the grounds of the chapel at Perelle.

Helen Glencross, Head of Heritage Services which oversees the upkeep of St Appoline's said it is "unfortunate" but the extent of the moth larvae infestation means it must be felled.‌

“Unfortunately, a turkey oak in the grounds of the Chapel of St Apolline needs to be removed as it has an extensive goat moth larvae infestation," she said. "

The larvae eat both the inner bark and woody fibres causing extensive tunnels which damage the tree.
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“The oak is a very large tree, around 20m tall, and so will be removed by a tree surgeon on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 December. While the work is carried out, the Rue de St Apolline will be closed, and properties will only be accessible from the northern end of the lane.”

A small lane will be shut today and tomorrow while work is carried out to fell the tree.