By Isle of Wight Observer
Specialist work is to be carried out on a prominent giant London plane tree, at Wootton Bridge, in a bid to prolong its life and keep road users safe.
Island Roads will undertake the work, on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council, on the tree at the entrance to Lakeside.
Without intervention, there is a risk of branches or limbs breaking off, posing a danger to pedestrians and motorists, and potentially threatening the health of the tree.
The work is scheduled for Monday, October 5, with Tuesday, October 6, set aside in case poor weather prevents completion. Wootton’s main road will be closed from 7.30pm until no later than 6.30am, while the work takes place.
The project will include general maintenance and a reduction of a large bough overhanging the Lakeside entrance and the main road.
The branch has become ‘codominant’, meaning it is becoming equal in size to the main trunk, creating a weaker joint. Its acute angle is also placing additional weight stress on the branch.
The council’s local planning authority said the work was necessary to reduce the risk of branch failure, particularly during high winds, while allowing the healthy tree to be retained.
An Island Roads spokesman said the organisation had worked with Groundsells and the council on a plan enabling the tree to remain safely in place “for years to come”.
Southern Vectis will operate amended services during the closure, while access to The Tide Mill (The Sloop) will be maintained from the Ryde direction.
