The “iconic” cedar tree in Cassiobury Park has been spared from being chopped down after it was found to be in poor health.

Watford Borough Council officials have decided to fence off the tree to protect the public it after canvassing local politicians for their views on its future.

An arboreal survey of the park recently discovered the aging tree’s trunk was in poor state meaning it could pose a risk to passersby.

Parks officers recently told councillors they were they had two options: to chop the tree down and allow a replacement to grow in its place, or build a protective fence at the cost of around £15,000.

Councillor Malcolm Meerabux, an independent representative for Park, said he had argued for the latter due to the tree’s significance.

The tree stands alone in an open section of the park and has come to be one of Cassiobury’s landmark features.

Watford Observer:

Councillor Meerabux said: “They are saying the tree is in a poor state and we have options: to chop if down, which is the cheaper one, or build a protective fence to try and maintain it, which is more expensive.

“My feeling is that it is an iconic tree and we have to hold onto it.”

Today Watford Borough Council said its officers would be fencing off the tree, but added it would have to be monitored regularly.

In a statement the council said: “We noticed recently that the cedar tree did not appear to be in the best of condition, so investigated further including using a form of ‘x-ray’ to look at the internal structure which highlighted that it was indeed showing its age.

“Whilst it is not unsafe, the tree is quite old and options available included felling it or fencing it off. It was decided that as the tree is an iconic part of the landscape of the park it would be fenced off in a suitable style keeping with the character of the park and its condition monitored regularly.”

The decision has been welcomed by the town’s elected mayor, Dorothy Thornholl, who said: “I think it is the right thing to keep it as long as possible, unless we know it is a safety hazard. It is right to help it into its old age gracefully.”