20 February 2012
Starting this week, the horse chestnut trees in the Royal Square will be pruned.
The trees were last pruned in 2003 and will undergo a similar process as then. Their height will be reduced to 7.5 metres. Care will be taken to ensure that the overall shape of the trees is maintained as much as possible. At the same time any dead, diseased or rubbing branches will be removed.
Pruning the trees like this helps reduce the risk of branches being lost or damaged as a result of strong winds, as well as allowing more light into the Royal Square and lessening the impact of the trees on the Square and the surrounding buildings. It will also help discourage the birds roosting.
Work will be carried out at times which will not conflict with the States and Court sittings.
The work area will be cordoned off and every effort will be made to ensure that there is minimum disruption to pedestrians in the area.
Nick Armstrong, Arboricultural Officer at Transport and Technical Services (TTS) said, “When the trees are first pruned it looks quite dramatic, but it is done for good reason and as you can see from the growth that has occurred since 2003, the trees will re-grow quite quickly."
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