Islington is to lose a well-loved landmark, the Barnsbury Beech. The tree, listed as one of the Great Trees of London and subject to a Tree Preservation Order, has fallen victim to a terminal fungal infection which will see it removed by Islington Council’s tree service during the week commencing Monday 17 October.<br><br>The beech, which is believed to be more than 150 years old, has lived through two world wars but has finally been defeated by Meripilus giganteus (also known as the Giant polypore), which is a common cause of death for mature beech trees. The fungal infection severely decays the deep roots of trees, making them unstable and prone to blowing over. <br><br>Tree service officers noticed the large tell-tale fruit of the fungus at the base of the Barnsbury Beech in late September and acted quickly to send samples for testing to the Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service, which confirmed the diagnosis. Two independent arboricultural consultants have since inspected the tree, and several others have discussed the situation with the council's tree service. Following these discussions it has been decided that the only safe option is to remove the tree.<br><br>When infected with Meripilus giganteus, the crown of a tree may still appear healthy, and the trunk may be intact, although the roots will have decayed significantly affecting the stability of the tree.<br><br>By the time the visible sign of the infection appears – the fruiting body – it means the fungus has done its work of decaying the roots and is ready to propagate and move on to a new host.<br><br>Executive member for sustainability, Cllr Bridget Fox said: “Here in Islington we love our trees - so I am very sad to hear of the demise of the Barnsbury Beech. <br><br>In fact, we've put extra resources into our tree service so we can plant and manage our trees better.<br><br>This tree is as much a part of Islington’s heritage as our beautiful old buildings – its influence can be seen in the names of nearby Beech Tree Lane and Beech House.<br><br>But while we can protect buildings, the best efforts of the council’s tree service can not save this tree from a fungal infection. We would like to reassure residents that we only remove trees when there is no alternative, and we are acting quickly to prevent damage to people or property in the high winds we can get in autumn.<br><br>We'd like to hear from residents about how best to commemorate this tree and also about a suitable replacement."<br><br>Graham Simmonds, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities said: "It is terribly sad that London is losing one its oldest and greatest trees, but the Giant polypore is a serious disease for beech trees and Islington Council is right to tackle it quickly.” <br> <br>“This is a sharp reminder that old trees do eventually die and reinforces the need to follow the example of our Victorian ancestors and plant our city with more big species trees, like the Barnsbury Beech, which will grow to become the great trees for future generations. People can donate to us today to support the planting of London's future tree heritage. Our million trees campaign was launched two years ago and already more than 350,000 additional trees have been planted in London as a result." <br><br><br>Further information<br><br>Is removal of the Barnsbury Beech the only option?<br>All available literature about fungal infections on trees confirms that this species of fungus on this species of tree leads to a very significant increase in the possibility of wind-throw. As we are now in autumn, the likelihood of heavy winds has made it essential for the council to deal with the health and safety situation. <br>Due to the severe effects of this fungus on this species of tree, the only safe option is to remove the tree.<br><br>Where is the Barnsbury Beech? <br>The Barnsbury Beech is in Barnsbury Park, near the junction with Thornhill Road. The tree is located within the garden of a council housing property, Thornhill House. Local residents are being informed about the tree’s removal by letter.<br><br>Will the council replace the Barnsbury Beech?<br>The council’s tree service intends to plant a new beech tree in place of the Barnsbury Beech during the winter, as research indicates that young trees are not affected by this fungus. Another option the tree service is considering is preserving some of the wood from the Barnsbury Beech and having a sculpture carved from it. It may not be possible to place any sculpture on the original site, as the fungus present may well affect older wood. Anyone with suggestions regarding how to memorialise the Barnsbury Beech should call Contact Islington on 020 7527 2000.<br><br>Could anything have been done to prevent the infection?<br>No. The difficulty of detecting Meripilus giganteus prior to the appearance of the fruiting body has been well documented. The following is a sample of experts’ opinions on the subject.<br><br>“Meripilus giganteus, also known as the Giant polypore is a common cause of the death and/or windblow of mature beech trees. It is considered very serious and dangerous when in an urban environment. When the fruiting body appears in late summer or autumn, it is a sign that the fungus is very well established and the tree is likely to become unstable if it is not so already. The more numerous the clumps of fruiting body, the greater the risk. Often the beech tree will look in good health right until the end, however if the crown is also thin and dying back, the risk is immediate. The reason for this is that the fungus destroys the deeper-going roots, leaving the shallower roots healthy and intact until the very last.<br>(From: http://www.ecotreecare.co.uk/portable_sawmilling.htm)<br><br>“By the time that large fruit bodies of Meripilus giganteus appear, especially on Fagus sylvatica, it is highly likely that a high chance of wind-throw exists. Crown symptoms may be present by this stage, but by no means always. Indeed, the upper roots may be largely sound, even though the deeper ones are extensively decayed. Due to this pattern of symptom development, and to the severe weakening of the partially decayed wood, Meripilus giganteus is one of the most dangerous decay fungi to be found on Fagus sylvatica. The mechanical effects of its decay on other hosts are not documented."<br>(From 'Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management' by David Lonsdale in the 'Research for Amenity Trees' series published by the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions, page 121.)<br><br>Further information on Meripilus giganteus (Giant polypore) can be found at the following websites:<br>· http://www.aie.org.uk/fungi_base/merip/aie_fungi_meripilus.html<br>· http://archive.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/2002/11/14/172564.html<br>· http://www.aie.org.uk/fungi_base/merip/merchant/aie_article_merip1.html<br><br>What are the Great Trees of London?<br>Trees for Cities (formerly Trees for London) names the Great Trees of London. Trees for Cities is an independent charity which works with local communities on tree planting projects. Its aim is to tackle global warming, create social cohesion and beautify our cities through tree planting, community, education and training initiatives in urban areas of greatest need. For more information, see <br>http://www.treesforcities.com/greattrees/trees/theBarnsburyBeech.asp
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009