An independent Arborist was commissioned to undertake a full technical survey of the trees in Iveagh Gardens as per the OPW Tree Safety Management Policy.
As part of our ongoing care and management, a visual inspection by the Chief Park Superintendent & Park Manager resulted in the felling of one dead Horse Chestnut tree and a further two trees having their crowns reduced, in line with best practice. The partial trunk pictured is the remains of the Horse Chestnut, left in place to promote a biodiverse habitat.
All forms of standing deadwood create invaluable habitat. Veteran trees provide a large variety of standing deadwood habitats. These include flaking bark and crevices utilised by bats, decaying heartwood/hollowing used by many species of invertebrate and holes made by birds that are in turn exploited by other birds and small mammals
Trees are fundamental to our wellbeing and provide many important habitats for wildlife. As well as caring for the trees, we also have a duty of care to the public and we must balance the need for public safety with the conservation and amenity priorities of the trees in the gardens, on an ongoing, risk-assessment basis.
It is with regret that OPW ever has to fell a tree. In this instance, the dead Horse Chestnut tree trunk was recycled on site as seats/stools for the school groups that use the woodland area as an outdoor classroom. This is a wonderful way to use the wood from the tree and it fosters a sense of respect and appreciation among the children for their natural environment.
The other two trees will continue to be monitored going forward. There are no plans for any further tree works this year unless damage results from storms etc. The OPW has an ongoing policy of replacement tree planting. In line with this policy, four new trees will be replanted over the coming weeks in the Iveagh Gardens. This removal gave us a new area to plant up without a high tree canopy, so the new trees can get adequate light and rainfall. Those trees will be:
1 Beech
1 Hornbeam
1 Lime
1 Chestnut
These new trees, approx. 3 metres high, are due for delivery on the week ending 16 March. They will be planted in the forest area, beside where the tree was removed.