Holton Churchyard Beech

Clare Durrant and I (both tree wardens for Halesworth and Holton) examined at the Beech marked for felling, Thursday 2nd July 2025

Planning reference: DC/25/2379/TCA
Proposal: 1no. Beech (marked on submitted plan) – Fell
Site address: St Peters Church, Beccles Road, Holton, Suffolk, IP19 8NG
Consultation letter
expiry date: 8 July 2025
Link: Public Access
A new consultation for application DC/25/2379/TCA

Reasons: die back and fungus. The Beach tree in question is suspected of having a fungus called Kretzchmaria deusta. The tree on inspection, looks to be in poorer condition than the beach tree recently taken down next door at the Old Rectory, being on meters away. The Request is to remove the tree entirely as a matter of Safety and Urgency, due to its location within the Church and closeness to the buidings in local proximity.

Our observations:

Die back evident on lower and upper branches.
What does suspected mean? If it is officially diagnosed at Kretzchmaria (charcoal fungus) then the tree is diseased and needs to be felled. It is relatively easy to see the fruiting bodies, which turn black.
However if just suspected, I would argue the case to try and save the 100 year old tree, based around the evidence that the probable cause of tree stress is the mound of garden waste matter (including some plastic flowers!) pilled up around the trunk. Spoke with Paul Jackson (arborist and adviser and Holton Hall Park for 20 years). As there is a healthy beech near by, he suggested die back was caused by excess nitrogen build up, caused by the debris decomposing grass cuttings, a meter high around the base.

Our Tree Surgeon advise is

If it has Kretzchmaria then agree it should be felled.
If just suspected, try and save the tree: lift and cut 3 lower branches, one over the Rectory, two over the churchyard. Remove all the debris around it creating a compost area out of pallets (I have just done this on my land – image attached – pallets are free). See if the tree survives next year, and if not then fell.

The timber is potentially valuable, and should be saved and can be used in this relatively heathy tree. (I know of people near who could collect and plank etc)

However of greater value is the sequestered carbon in a 100 year old tree. I notice there is an oak getting away near by and may sapling oaks that could be protected and nurtured. Fabulous ladies bedstraw and wild flowers around.

I realise this is potentially a more expensive option and does have a risk attached to it, but I have not seen how long the tree has been in slow decline (a few years) and I give the other side the importance of saving a tree that offers shade, carbon capture and beauty.

Photos here – click on them to carousel or enlarge