Residents on Hurstlyn Road in Allerton have reacted with heartbreak after learning that a much-loved cherry blossom tree, which they helped save from being cut down 15 years ago, could now be felled. The tree is believed to be over 70 years old.
Residents confront tree surgeons
Margaret Lake, 80, who has lived on the road for 60 years, told the ECHO she was shocked last week when she looked out of her window and saw tree surgeons surrounding the tree. She went outside and asked what they were doing, and they told her they were taking it down because they had been told it was dangerous.
“Because I've had this history with the tree, I said, ‘No, that's not happening’,” she said. More residents came out, and a discussion followed. Margaret described the tree as “an ancient or veteran cherry tree” and “really unique”.
Previous battle to save the tree
Around 15 years ago, residents rallied to save the tree when there were earlier concerns about its condition. Margaret said they got a petition, collected several signatures, and involved MPs, who helped save the tree along with the residents. She believes the tree was saved at the time because its danger could not be proven. Now she fears the battle could be starting again.
Margaret said she was “heartbroken” and “shocked” when she realised the tree could be felled. She believes more could have been done to preserve it rather than remove it altogether.
Community efforts to preserve the tree
“Trees of this age do show signs of deterioration,” she said. She suggested that “one or two braces and a fence, if necessary, or a gate around it” would save the tree, and would stop people from walking under it if there were concerns about it falling. She added: “They haven't gone the extra mile to protect something that is special. They're trying to take away something beautiful and unique.”
The resident said the tree holds a special place in the community and has been a familiar sight throughout much of her life. She noted that the tree would have been there when Paul McCartney was playing around as a child, and that visitors come to see his house on Forthlin Road when the tree is in bloom, standing in front of it for pictures because it is so huge. “So we won’t let it go without a fight,” she said.
Torus responds to concerns
Terrie Wood, senior estates manager at Torus, said: “We share residents’ view that it is very upsetting to fell trees, especially those that have been part of the landscape for so long like this and it is always the last resort.
“Unfortunately we have tried everything we can to save the tree but there is no alternative as it is dying. Two independent arborists inspected it and found a rotting core, deadwood in the centre, parts split and cracked and a fungal disease destroying its roots and lower trunk.
“Sadly, pruning work we carry out on trees across our communities will not make any difference in this case because not only is this tree dying but its health is deteriorating so rapidly there is a high possibility of it falling very soon.
“To prevent harm to people and damage to any parked cars nearby, we will be securing the area around the tree by putting up temporary fencing ahead of it being felled in the coming weeks. We will be writing to residents explaining this and also inviting them to help us choose and plant a replacement tree in the same green space if they wish to be involved.”
The ECHO has contacted Liverpool Council for a comment. It is understood that the council is considering a tree preservation order in response to a request from residents.
