Large willow tree cut down in Leicester park due to 'potential danger'

An “unstable” tree in a Leicester park was cut down this week, with barely a stump remaining. Leicester City Council said the willow tree in Castle Gardens, near Bede Island, had become a “potential danger” to visitors.

The council said root heave was causing the willow to “lean over”. Pictures from the park show the shade-less empty space where the tree once stood.

The city council said it would be planting another willow in its place later this year. A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we have had to remove a willow tree from Castle Park this week.

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“The tree was suffering from root heave which was causing it to lean over and become unstable. Our expert trees and woodlands team considered it a potential danger to park visitors and so it has been removed.”

Root heave is defined as the upward displacement and fracture of pavements, surfaced driveways and other grounds due to the radial growth of roots.

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