One of the tree’s largest branches snapped on Sunday following years of deterioration

The Cedar of Lebanon tree pictured on Sunday (credit LYDS/Emma Rigby)

Forty Hall’s famous ‘Cedar of Lebanon’ tree has suffered major damage – with Enfield Council tree surgeons now scrambling to save what’s left.

A significant branch of the 18th Century tree – the second oldest of its type in the country – collapsed on Sunday (11th). There was no bad weather at the time of the incident, and the council instead blamed “a fungal fruiting body” for gradually weakening the tree’s internal structure.

Council tree surgeons are now working to remove the debris and make what’s left of the tree safe. No-one was hurt by this weekend’s branch snap.

It’s not the first time the tree has suffered major damage, with a gale causing a branch to break in 2005 and further incidents in the following years eventually leading to the tree being entirely fenced off in 2016.

It’s believed that the celebrated Enfield botanist Dr Robert Uvedale (1642-1722) planted the Cedar of Lebanon in the grounds of Forty Hall around 360 years ago.

A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm a large section of the Cedar of Lebanon at Forty Hall collapsed on Sunday, 11^th August, and landed on the fenced off area of lawn towards the house at Forty Hall. The section of the tree collapsed due to internal decay at its main branch union, which has resulted in an estimated 60% loss of the tree’s canopy.

“The tree was fenced off in 2016 due to safety concerns preventing public access within the fall zone of the tree. The monitoring of this tree has been consistent and detailed inspections have identified a fungal fruiting body within the crown’s main structure. As a result, the tree loses strength that can lead to branch snap or breakout.

“Work to clear the fallen branches started today (Monday 12^th) and will take several days to complete. We will also undertake further detailed inspections to decide on future management options to retain the tree for as long as possible.”

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