PROMINENT trees in Boscawen Park that are suffering from advanced stages of disease are being felled as part of Truro City Council’s ongoing tree inspection programme.

Tree safety consultants Evolve Tree Services identified two trees showing clear signs of decline, including substantial leaf loss.

The first is a large poplar located near the main entrance to the park from the car park. A fungal infection, Ganoderma lucidum, was found at the base of the tree, indicating internal decay and a compromised trunk structure that affects its stability.

The second is a copper beech tree overhanging the children’s play area. This tree is affected by Meripilus giganteus, a fungal disease that damages and eventually destroys the root system, significantly weakening the tree’s stability.

Given their prominent locations of overhanging pathways and play areas, it was determined that the safest course of action was tree removal in the interest of public health and safety. This will take place today [Monday, October 27] and tomorrow [Tuesday, October 28].

A Truro City Council spokesperson said: “We understand how valued these trees are to park users, and this decision has not been made lightly. We will explore replacing them with suitable new trees as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance Truro’s green spaces.”