Emergency work on the Huntingdon Elm
Unfortunately we have had to undertake some emergency tree work on one of the Elms in the Garden.
The tree was known as the Huntingdon Elm, which forms part of the old Elm Promenade on the western boundary of the Garden in front of the Pavilion Garden Cafe.
The heavy canopy and dry conditions had caused the tree to start leaning and its roots were starting to lift. After consultation with the arboculturist, specialist tree surgeons were brought in to pollard the tree to prevent us losing it altogether.
We will have to make a decision on whether to remove the tree completely, therefore avoiding the same situation in the future, or whether to keep the tree in a ‘pollarded’ state. This would mean a canopy reduction every five years or so, so it doesn’t become too top heavy.
The tarmac around the base of the tree will be removed for the Garden project. We’ll be able to access the root structure of the tree and decide if we can keep the tree or have to remove it entirely. Our intention is to keep the tree, but the decision will be informed by an assessment of the roots in winter.
All cut material was taken away from site and disposed of. Leaving Elm material here in the Garden could potentially attract the beetle which spreads Dutch Elm Disease.
This work on the Elm was not part of the Garden Restoration project. Unfortunately it has now created a hole through the tree canopy of the Garden. The canopy helped our garden visitors feel buffeted from the hectic city and helped create the ‘oasis’ feeling the garden provided for relaxing humans and wildlife.
Learn more about the Elms in the Garden
- Join us on an audio tour with our event Royal Pavilion & Garden Taster Audio Sessions: Embracing our Elms to hear international elm expert Peter Bourne discuss these significant trees.
- Read our blog post Living Monuments: A Discovery of the Pavilion Elms by Ashley Brown, a postgraduate researcher in Curating Collections and Heritage at the University of Brighton.
