Diseased elm tree to be felled in Brighton

A mature elm tree with Dutch elm disease is to be felled in Brighton city centre.

The elm, near Pavilion Parade, is being removed to prevent infection spreading to other elms, the city council said.

The council maintains its elm trees by pruning out fungus and setting traps for disease-carrying beetles.

The city holds the National Collection of Elms and Britain's only surviving significant population of the species, the authority said.

Containing disease

Rob Greenland, arboricultural manager, said; "It's vital to remove diseased elms because of the possibility of spreading to other trees.

"We're proud of the work we do to look after the city's trees, especially elms.

"We not only actively contain elm disease but also extend the range and varieties of elm that we have."

He said the council had successfully cultivated seeds from the US at its nursery in Stanmer Park and young trees were being planted and maintained for the future.

The elm is being felled on Tuesday along with a mature evergreen oak at the Royal Pavilion's North Gate.

The council said the oak was now so infected with fungal wood-decaying disease that the only option was to fell it in the interests of public safety.

A large section of the felled elm will be used to create a "story-telling throne" and seating for children in Hove Park.