Decision time for Stanley lime trees

Sep 10 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STANLEY villagers are to be asked if they want to have 12 of the village’s mature lime trees felled and replaced with new ones.

The elderly trees are under threat because they require regular pruning, incurring repeat expenditure for the council, according to local resident Arnot McWhinnie.

In a letter to the Stanley and District Community Council, Richard Brough, Perth and Kinross Council’s tree and woodland officer, said: “The trees do not look particularly good in winter or summer in their amputated form and are causing problems with visibility for both motorists and pedestrians.

“New trees would not have vigorous lower growth, would look a lot better, and ultimately cost a lot less to maintain in the long term.”

Mr Brough is suggesting that the limes could be replaced with oak, beech, hornbeam, cherry, maple, pear or apple, which have upward pointing branches.

At the last community council meeting, those present were divided in opinion as to whether new, young semi-mature trees should replace the limes.

Mr Brough has been invited to attend the next meeting at Stanley Primary School on Tuesday at 7pm.

He will bring along photographs of the trees which he thinks might be suitable for the village.

Mr Brough said: “Please understand I do not see it as my place to convince the community to go with removing the limes.

“It’s a sensible option, but ultimately it will be up to the community to decide.”