A MATURE tree on a busy Droitwich road has had to be felled after becoming infected with a fungal disease.
The horse chestnut on College Green was found to have Honey Fungus following a routine inspection by experts acting on behalf of Wychavon District Council.
The Royal Horticultural Society has described Honey Fungus as the most destructive fungal disease in UK gardens.
It spreads underground, attacking and killing the roots of trees, making them unstable and at risk of falling over.
There is no known treatment for the disease and the only way to stop it spreading further is to remove infected trees so the fungus is unable to feed.
Work to remove the tree took place towards the end of August.
Although the tree was protected by a Tree Preservation Order, Wychavon’s tree officer confirmed it could be removed as it posed a safety risk.
A new tree will be planted in its place.
Coun Emma Stokes, responsible for environment on Wychavon District Council, said: “We’re always saddened when we have to remove any tree but in this case it was not only important to protect the public, but also to stop the disease from spreading any further.”
