Removal of the Blue Atlas Tree

The Methodist Church said farewell to two old friends today.
Just a few months ago, we became aware that our Blue Atlas Cedar had a serious disease and, once we had we sought professional advice, we were told that this disease is irreversible and the tree would eventually start to drop limbs. The tree adjacent to it, a Deodara, had been planted at the same time and they had grown as one canopy. The other feature of this green Cedar tree was that it had a divided trunk which obviously weakens the strength of the tree and, in high winds without its "other half", would also be a threat to the surrounding buildings. These were serious health and safety issues not only for the chapel but for the surrounding houses too. Unfortunately, we were left with no alternative but to remove the danger and have the trees removed. As you may have seen, a huge yellow crane was needed for the mammoth task. What we have been able to do, however, is retain the history of these two great trees by keeping a substantial length of the trunk of each which we intend to have carved. These will then become a lasting focal point in our new garden as it develops into a more open and welcoming place for all ages to use for many years to come.