A LANDMARK Spanish chestnut tree, which has been a very distinctive feature of the busy junction linking Port Road with New Road for a generation, is being removed because it has been deemed to be in very poor condition.
An expert report commissioned by Kerry County Council concluded that the tree has been in decline for at least 10 years and although all major deadwood was removed 18 months ago, the tree continues to decline and the crown and the bark have rotted.
The roots and trunk of the Spanish chestnut – also known as a Castinea sativa – are riddled with Phytophthora ink disease and there is little option available but to remove it.
Certified arborist Colin Quinn, of Total Tree Services, informed the local authority that it might be possible to retain the tree after major reduction works but it would not be aesthetically pleasing and it would continue to require major intervention works on an ongoing basis.
KillarneyToday.com understands, however, that some consideration is being given to creating a major piece of wood sculpture from what remains of the trunk of the tree, possibly depicting a red deer. A decision on that matter will be confirmed very shortly.
A similar sculpture, The Diaspora – based on a woman emigrating from Ireland – was carved from a 200-year-old diseased oak tree on the Iveragh Road in Killorglin in 2016 and is a very attractive feature in the town.
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