Icart Road’s Monterey pines to be replaced
A NUMBER of pine trees which line Icart Road are coming down, after damaging the road for more than a decade.
The mature Monterey pine are set to be replaced with more suitable native species.
The current shallow tree roots have caused extensive structural damage to the road surface. This has created a potentially dangerous and uneven road surface.
Specialist agricultural advice has been sought and consultation with Traffic & Highway Services has been held ahead of the work.
Tree consultant Phil Collenette did a survey of the trees and identified those at risk of failing.
Pines are known for dropping large limbs and this tendency has added to the decision to remove them.
They will be replaced with diverse tree species, including English oak, sweet chestnut, alder, elder, and hazel. They will be planted at an appropriate distance from the roadside to reduce the chance of future problems with the road surface.
The felled trees and branches will remain on site in the form of trunks or wood chippings, which will support local wildlife.
There will also be hedging planted, which will include holly, hawthorn and hornbeam.
The replacement species have been chosen as they are more appropriate for the roadside position and exposed location, but also provide an improved habitat for local flora and fauna.
The work will be taking place between Monday and Thursday next week. The road will then reopen for the Easter weekend, before closing between Tuesday 11 and Friday 14 April. While the road is shut Icart Road and the public car park at Icart Point will be closed to vehicle access.
Access will be maintained as far as Saints Bay Hotel throughout the works.
