DISEASED and dying trees in one of Glasgow city centre's most prestigious locations were removed because of safety concerns.

 

A total of eight mature Swedish Whitebeam Trees were felled and replaced following an incident in Blythswood Square Gardens when branches of one tree snapped, smashed through a railing and landed on the pavement used by pedestrians in West George Street.

No-one was injured and no vehicles were damaged.

However, specialists were immediately called in by the Blythswood Square Proprietors Association who own the buildings in the square and the gardens.

They decided the damaged tree must be felled along with seven others which are also decayed and dying.

The works were approved in writing by a specialist landscape architect in Glasgow City Council's development and regeneration services department following a site visit .

In a statement, the Blythswood Square Proprietors Association said: "Experts carried out an exhaustive survey of the trees and we were deeply saddened to be told that eight whitebeams were badly diseased, decayed and dying.

"They are all located on the periphery of the gardens, close to the boundary railings. There are genuine concerns that there may be further incidents in the future. We may not be so fortunate if more branches fell and we are worried that they could cause injury to pedestrians or damage to vehicles in the vicinity."

The statement continued: "We wish to continue to protect and improve the environment which we have created in the gardens and have held consultations with the Glasgow Tree Lovers Society (GTLS), with whom we work very closely and rely upon for expert advice and guidance on how best to look after what is the only green space in the city centre.

"We have made immediate funds available for the tree removal work to be carried out and at the same time have asked the GTLS to draw up an urgent programme to replace the whitebeams and provide a new treescape programme so that the gardens continue to be stocked and maintained to the highest standards as soon as possible."

The proprietors added: "We also called in Glasgow City Council and have consulted with their specialists since the outset. The local authority has been very closely involved in detailed discussions and after consultation with their experts in urban landscape planning and architecture, most reluctantly, we have been forced to accept there is no option but to remove the trees in the interests of health and safety."

A further 10 healthy white beams will remain after the work is completed in the gardens which contain around 70 trees in total.

GTLS, a charity involved in tree care, conservation & preservation was set up in 1933 by a small group of individuals who were concerned at the removal of trees in the city with nothing restored in their place.

Two years ago they advised and specificied the planting of 18 new trees in the gardens.

Their spokesman said: "In recent years a significant numbers of ageing and dying Swedish Whitebeam Trees had been felled and removed at various locations around Glasgow.

"They are not long lived trees and some only last around 70 years.

"The proprietors of Blythswood Square Gardens are responsible owners, cherish the area and have shown great sensitivity and concern for the environment - while at the same time trying to balance the needs of public health and safety.

"It is a sad situation but they have no alternative options available. At times, we must face reality and accept that trees do have a limited lifespan.

"While eight whitebeams need to go others will remain as they are in better condition although we will continue to monitor them closely.

"We have worked closely with the proprietors for some time helping to shape the gardens in to the way they look today and we are delighted to have been asked to take the gardens forward as they face the next phase in their future.

"Planning and managing urban trees is an important part of long term sustainable green infrastructure, as the right tree should be planted at the right place with good long term management."

The main aims of the GTLS are the conservation of trees, promoting greening up Glasgow's landscape and education on trees and the environment.

Blythswood Square was created for the city's merchants in 1823 by the developer William Garden and his architect John Brash.

The area of Blythswoodhill had originally been laid out by William Harley in 1804, but when he became bankrupt, Mr Garden took over.

He was declared bankrupt and the rest of the development was completed by his trustees.