'Important' Marlow tree will not need to be felled after fire damage

An ‘important’ mature tree damaged by fire in a Marlow car park will not be felled as feared, Buckinghamshire Council has said.

Firefighters who were called to Pound Lane car park on August 17 arrived to find the tree ‘well alight’ and it took nearly one hour to quell the flames.

As a result, this major car park in Marlow was partially closed in mid-August – alongside a portion of the road and footpath.

Barriers, red and white tape, parking suspension signs and notices were put up, alerting the public.

The London Plane tree, which was ‘[of] significant importance’ was significantly damaged.

Specialists completed surveys of the tree immediately after the fire to consider the health and safety impacts – ie whether it would remain stable.

The results led the council to conclude that ‘the most pragmatic response’ was to fell the tree and arrange for replacement planting, the council said.

Plans were put in motion, which were dependent on Scottish Southern Electric (SSE) temporarily turning off the electricity supply in the immediate vicinity.

It ‘has taken several weeks’ to confirm a date for the works.

But in the meantime, the council commissioned more specialist help ‘to better assess the overall health of the tree’ compared to its previous condition, taken from surveys in 2016.

Contrary to earlier conclusions, a series of tests covering the roots and main body of the tree showed that in fact, there has been ‘limited degradation’ – and as such, it ‘continues to have a high safety rating’.

“We are pleased to say that this means that the tree does not require felling or any major reductions,” said a spokesperson for Bucks council.

There does, however, need to be removal of deadwood.

This still requires the isolation of the electricity supply but there is no longer a need for the road or the car park to be closed.

Instead, a ‘small cordon’ will remain around the base of the tree to prevent access to the hollow in the main stem.

The consultant has recommended that this be filled with a non-combustible material ‘to limit the risk of any future fires.’

Bucks council will give an update once it has dates from the contractors with SSE and tree management contractors.

这些相同的承包商将完成枯枝removal works on the other London Plane Trees in Higginson Park throughout the autumn.

Steven Broadbent, cabinet member for transport said: “We are grateful to residents for their patience and understanding throughout this period [of road closures].

"Contrary to earlier conclusions, damage to the tree has been less severe than first thought. We are pleased to report that as a result of these findings, the tree will no longer need to be felled or require major pruning.

"We know the decision to save this much loved tree will be welcomed by the whole community.”