News
Diseased elm tree to be felled
Prompt action to destroy infected elm trees like this one on campus is the only way to limit the spread of Dutch elm disease.
This foliage on the diseased elm tree turned yellow - then wilted, shrivelled and died.
A mature elm tree on campus is having to be felled because it is riddled with Dutch elm disease.
The 25-metre tree – which is estimated to be somewhere between 100 and 150 years old and is located near the HSBC bank in Bramber House - will be cut down this week.
The infection in the diseased elm was identified as a result of the Estates department’s regular tree-condition survey and ongoing programme to manage and maintain the trees on campus.
Andy Jupp, Assistant Director of Estates and Facilities Management, says: “It’s a real shame that we’re having to cut down this tree, but prompt action to destroy infected trees is the only way to limit the spread of this devastating fungal disease.”
Dutch elm disease has killed millions of elm trees since its arrival in the UK in 1971.
Andy says: “The fact that many excellent specimens survive on campus - including some of the largest English elms remaining in the UK – is largely due to the assiduous efforts of Estates staff over the last 40 years to remove any infected trees as soon as they show symptoms of the disease.
“In the long term our actions this week will help to protect the other elms on campus.”