Sir – We, like Sue Webster (Worcester News, August 18), have noticed for some time that many of the 86 trees planted on Hylton Road last spring have died or are dying.
The council apparently claims that challenging conditions have caused these trees to die and plan to replace them with less decorative species. The best time to plant trees is late winter or early spring. Failing that, autumn is best. I suspect these trees were planted too late in the year, probably late in April, and not watered sufficiently for the conditions.
If the council had waited for the best planting time it is highly likely that the species chosen would have survived. I have several silver birches like the ones on the bund in clay soil in my garden by the river in St John’s and they have grown successfully despite dry years.
The council claims every effort to maintain and water the trees was employed but we never noticed them being frequently watered last spring. Being on a bund would require extra watering at the right times of day. Younger trees might also have stood a better chance, as they are much easier to establish and less likely to die.
JANE RUTTER
Worcester
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