'Magnificent' Woodside Playing Fields tree branches removed

The diseased cedar tree at Woodside Playing Fields, Watford will undergo a "full reduction" on October 4 because of the risk of branches falling on people and property as well as the damage being done to it by disease.

Watford Borough Council described the type of tree as “magnificent” but added that they are “notoriously brittle and prone to limb failure, especially as they age”.

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Once the full reduction process, removing a significant proportion of the tree while leaving the main trunk, is complete the main trunk will be left as a "standing monolith" and habitat for wildlife.

A new tree will also be planted at the playing fields to replace it.

The tree in Woodside Playing Fields (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “It’s always sad to see trees coming to the end of their life, but the safety of residents is our number one priority.

“I’m delighted that we are able to leave a monolith in place where wildlife can thrive and I look forward to planting a new tree to add to Woodside’s lovely landscaping to replace the cedar tree.”

Woodside Playing Fields (Image: Watford Borough Council)