Cannon Hill was originally planted with elm trees in the late 1920s but after a decade, these were replaced with Horse chestnuts as the elms had fallen victim to disease. About 2/3 of the chestnuts are over 50 years old with some 20/30 year specimens and four which SGA sponsored 6 years ago. Horse Chestnuts are no longer considered suitable as street trees because of their brittle nature which makes them susceptible to breakage which leads to other problems- infections, etc.
Last year, two chestnuts were removed as well as a tree which fell over near the bus top. Currently, one large chestnut facing the Cherry Tree roundabout has lost several large branches and the state of the diseased tree is clearly visible. Similarly, in some of the Chestnuts on Cannon Hill, close inspection shows the extent to which many have lost several sections of the upper crowns.
Trees are currently being assessed as to the extent of damage but we have been advised that two more on the Green and also a clump near 1/Cannon Hill roadside are likely to be removed in the near future because of their poor condition.
The steady loss of the chestnut trees will change the street scene and SGA is keen to ensure that key vistas- views coming up Cannon Hill or from the Green preserve the majestic visual quality the chestnuts endow. Replacement of lost trees needs careful consideration to achieve this.