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Tree saved from chop

by Helen Clifton
10/10/2008

A MUCH-loved Old Trafford tree has been saved from the chop after a kindly tree surgeon stepped in to carry out essential pruning work.

The enormous black poplar at the junction of Walter Street and Ayres Road was facing extinction after the owner of the land on which it grew was no longer able to pay for its maintenance.

And although the community managed to raise £900, they were still £900 short of the total needed to carry out the expensive works.

But generous Phil Benn, of Ecos tree surgeons, heard of their plight and donated his services at a massive discount to ensure the tree’s future.

He said: "It was such a breath of fresh air to see a local community that isn’t terrified of a big tree, who want to save it for as long as they can, and put their money where their mouth is.

"They want to preserve this tree because they understand its value to the community in terms of how beautiful it is and how it adds to the urban landscape."

On Wednesday, the tree had 30 per cent lopped off the top to ensure its safety.

The road closure cost £300, while the cherry picker hire cost almost £400.

Phil said there was an "equal chance" it wouldn’t succumb to disease because of the work.

He added: "It is a quite a significant reduction. But we are trying to ensure that it is going to remain as safe as possible.

"I am hoping that further donations will come in from interested parties. Substantial costs will come out of my own pocket, but I am very much stepping in on the basis of ethics."

Mitch Hughes, of Ayres Road, who was involved in the fundraising campaign, said: "It has been a real rollercoaster."

Resident Lesley Swann, who helped form the Clean Ayre Community group set up to save the tree, said she was pleased the work was going ahead. She added: "We are conserving the tree for as long as is possible to do so."