Trees removed to protect Exeter’s Roman Wall

Monday 25th January sees the start of some major tree works on Roman Walk, adjacent to Exeter’s Roman wall.

The works form part of a broader project to prevent tree root damage to the Scheduled Ancient Monument and further enhance this area of Princesshay.

Woodbury-based Dartmoor Tree Surgeons will be undertaking the works over four days, with some of the larger sections of timber being dismantled with the help of a crane on Wednesday 27th January.

The Roman wall is Exeter’s largest single structure and incredibly, over 70% of it remains, having stood since its construction around 180AD. The two largest trees to be removed are a Monterey Pine and a Eucalyptus, both fast-growing, non-native species which have been identified as being likely to cause significant future damage to the wall in time; the remainder of the trees to be removed are smaller, ornamental specimens.

Managing Director of Dartmoor Tree Surgeons, Graham Joyce, commented, “We are delighted to be involved with this phase of the project. Our sister-company, Advanced Arboriculture, have been working closely with the project’s architects, Orium Design, as well as The Crown Estate and Exeter City Council to investigate the various tree management options, but in this case it was clear that the best option to prevent further damage to the wall and allow for the enhancement of this area was to remove the trees.”

Dartmoor Tree Surgeons have spent several months planning the works to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses and visitors to the city. Anthony Arrow, Dartmoor Tree Surgeons’ Contracts Manager, added, “While we hope that visitors will enjoy seeing our climbers working in the trees, we do ask that people take great care near the working area and stay outside of the barrier fence which we’ll be putting up.”