Exeter's iconic city centre trees face felling

Two well-known trees in Exeter city centre are set to be felled after safety risks prompted their removal. The decision, taken by Exeter City Council, follows careful assessments that highlighted severe structural and health issues.

The first tree, a majestic sequoia - locally known as Wellingtonia or Giant Redwood - is situated in Dix’s Field just outside the Civic Centre. Once a proud symbol of the area, the tree is now in advanced decline, sporting less than 5% of viable foliage.

With its health rapidly deteriorating, experts have concluded that recovery is unlikely. Removal is scheduled to take place within the next couple of months, with a crane required for the operation due to nearby underground utilities.

In a nod to its past, council plans include repurposing some of the timber as benches and possibly having the stump carved into a lasting memorial. The cleared site will later be replanted with replacement trees.

Meanwhile, on Longbrook Street, a young coast redwood is also slated for removal. Although still healthy, the tree has already outgrown its designated space in the grounds of York House - a City Council retirement housing complex.

In its natural habitat, redwoods can soar to 100 meters tall, though they typically reach around 50 meters in the UK. As the redwood’s stem thickens, it is increasingly exerting pressure on a closely monitored wall, posing structural risks.

For safety reasons, the tree will be felled within the next 12 months.

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, commented on the difficult decision:

“We never like to see trees come down and we don’t take these decisions lightly. At the end of the day, both trees need to be felled for safety reasons. The sequoia in Dix’s Field is in poor health and in rapid decline. Unfortunately, the redwood in Longbrook Street, although healthy, has outgrown its site and is causing issues with nearby structures. We have known about this problem for a while and did plant some replacements on site back in 2018. There will be room for further replacement planting, and we will aim to find a more suitable location to plant a coast redwood and a wellingtonia.”

The removals, though regrettable, are part of ongoing efforts by the city to ensure public safety while planning for future greenery in more appropriate settings.