Category: Trees

Yesterday, 25th June, was not only unusually hot (31°C), but also very windy. Strong winds in summer can easily damage trees when they are in full leaf and it is often local ash trees that come to grief. A large elder branch came down on a well used path near Edmund Beaufort Drive – see photo below.

This path was often really muddy and slippery in winter. To alleviate this , the Friends of Bernards Heath (FoBH) supported improvement work here and also in several places near Heath Farm Lane. St Albans District Council contributed £3,431 and FoBH £1,000. The muddy paths have been layered with grey road scalpings.

The tree damage has been reported to the Council.

There can be little doubt that the beech tree shown below is the largest and and most attractive on the Heath. Unfortunately, it has lost a big branch. Roger Miles, tree warden, has pointed out that this was the result of water collecting at the base of the branch and causing rot. A similar event occurred on a Sandridge Road cherry tree last year.

The heavy branch hangs dangerously on other branches and should not be approached. The Council has been informed and we hope that it can be dealt with soon.

10 June – Branch removed and sawn up

This storm on Friday 18th of February was one of the fiercest in the UK for many years. It took down several trees, mainly on the area to the west of Harpenden Road. The biggest was this near the entrance to Spinney Lane. Luckily, there were no leaves on the trees, otherwise damage could have been more widespread. The tree was blocking Spinney Lane, but has now been cleared.

This substantial branch of a Field Maple Tree has fallen on the path from Edmond Beaufort Drive and Spinney Lane. We can remove the smaller branches to clear most of this well used path, but the main part of the branch will need a chain saw.

The image on the right shows the lobed form of the leaf which is relatively small compared other maple leaves on the Heath. These trees are members of the acer family.

Thanks to RM for advice on trees.

Update 22/10/21: branch now removed from path

On Sunday morning, 18th April 2021, one of the Sandridge Road ornamental cherry trees found the weight of blossom on a branch too much to bear; it fell across the footpath and most of the road. Fortunately, nobody on the pavement or road came to any harm and that it was a Sunday morning when traffic was relatively light.