Two much-loved Horse Chestnut trees in Dorchester felled

Dorset Council say they were diseased

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 28th Feb 2023

They have been part of the landscape in Dorchester for many years, but now they are gone.

Two iconic Horse Chestnut trees in South Street have been felled.

Steve Pallant captured the moment the trees came down.

Dorset Council say an inspection showed the trees had a considerable amount of disease.

A Dorset Council Spokesman said:

“We have received an application from Dorchester Town Council to fell these trees.

"The application was accompanied by a report which indicated a considerable amount of disease high up in the trees, which was only observable through a climbing inspection.

"The Town Council considered an alternative option of pollarding the trees back to the trunks, however this would have reduced the amenity value of the trees and only provided a temporary solution. For this reason, they applied to fell and replant the trees.

“Our tree team considered the report and the evidence. Given the poor health and lack of longevity of the trees, serving a Tree Preservation Order on them would not have been appropriate.

"The decision was made to not object to the proposed works and allow the trees to be felled.”

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