Diseased tree felled on St Julian's Avenue

Monday 05 October 2020

A tree on St Julian's Avenue has been felled after it was diagnosed with Honey Fungus.

Concerns were raised about the condition of the Norwegian Maple, and a professional survey highlighted the presence of the disease.

Honey Fungus - or Armillaria - is widespread in the island and is frequently responsible for the death of trees and woody plants.

Wilting leaves is often the first indication that the disease is present, followed by the rapid death of the plant.

Once it has penetrated the plant, the disease can't be controlled - the only effective remedy is to excavate and destroy all of the infected root and stump. In doing so, it will destroy the food base on which the fungus feeds.

Following professional advice, Traffic & Highway Services intend the replant the area with a London Plane tree during the dormant season this winter.

"It is a hardy species which tolerates the maritime climate well and is in keeping with the majority of the other roadside trees along the Avenue," they said. 

Pictured top: A tree along St Julian's Avenue has been felled.