Suspected poison attack kills 175-year-old tree (From Craven Herald)

Suspected poison attack kills 175-year-old tree

10:10am Tuesday 17th July 2012 in News

A 175-year-old protected oak tree in Silsden has died following a suspected second poison attack.

The large tree at the junction of Woodside Road and Elliott Street was killed in what local councillor Adrian Naylor branded a “cowardly” attack.

The tree was first damaged last summer when chemicals were poured into five large holes which had been drilled into it.

Bradford Council’s arboricultural officer Simon Keenan said that only time would tell whether the poison would kill the tree totally.

Now, following residents’ concerns over the state of the tree, the council has confirmed that it has died.

Coun Naylor, a Bradford district and Silsden town councillor, said the tree showed signs of recovery earlier this year when buds and leaves began to appear.

But he said that new growth now appeared to have stopped.

Coun Naylor said: “Following a great effort by Bradford’s tree officer and some locals the tree seemed to begin to revive. I am advised that it appears the tree has again been poisoned.”

Coun Naylor said he would talk with Bradford Council’s trees section about possible ways to save the tree and the habitat it provides for wildlife.

He said he would bring the matter up at Silsden Town Council and pledged to do everything possible to find a replacement.

Bradford Council confirmed it will be talking with Coun Naylor and Silsden Town Council about the issue.