Preston Manor Lime Trees

Preston Manor Gardens closed earlier this month for essential tree maintenance.
Sadly, two lime trees needed to be significantly reduced for public safety. The mature trees flank the stepped entrance to the walled garden and are approximately 60 years old.

Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) tree team and an Arboriculture contractor, it was established that a plant pathogen had infected both lime trees and caused decay along all major limbs. Given the size of the trees and their proximity to public areas, action was needed to remove the decay to safeguard public health and the walled garden. The Arboriculture contractor pollarded (heavily pruned) the trees at 5 metres and it is hoped this will save the trees.

As with all garden waste, Brighton & Hove Museums Head Gardener, Rob Boyle will ensure that nutrient recycling will occur where possible. Chipped wood has been left to dry to kill any remaining plant pathogens. The clean material will be used to top dress herbaceous boarders alongside the Manor off the croquet lawn.

In the meantime, the increased light flooding into the walled garden will have a dramatic effect on the planted area below. The quadrant by the wall, which was once permanently in the shade of the trees, will see a change in growing conditions. The Garden Team will have the opportunity to review this area and plant new shrubs more suited to the change in light and moisture levels.

Brighton & Hove Museums is very sad about the tree reductions as it affects the feel and look of the gardens. The decision to heavily prune the trees was not taken lightly and as a charity we cannot afford to carry out works unless absolutely necessary.

Although at present their appearance is bare, it is anticipated that soon growth will occur. We’ll see healthy green heart-shaped lime leaves once again.