Lostock Hall Gatehouse: Beech tree chopped due to root decay

The removal of the 90-foot tree, which overlooked Lostock Hall Gatehouse, was ordered by Bolton Council after it was noticed that there was severe root decay around its ring structure.

Arbortec, a specialist tree surgeon contractors, were requested by the council to complete the job, which required five men - four of Arbortec's employees as well as someone to operate the cherry picker.

The tree had been infected by a fungus called Meripilus giganteus, which causes a white rot in various types of broadleaved trees, particularly beech.

This fungus, known as the 'giant polypore;, is often found in large clumps at the base of trees, although fruiting bodies are sometimes found some distance away from the trunk, infecting the roots.

The tree is at risk of falling into the Grade II listed building

Arbortec owner Mark Ainsworth, from Edgworth, said: "It's hard to tell how old the tree is. We tried to count the rings but it was difficult due to the amount of root decay.

"My guess is that it's around 300 years old.

"An oak tree will be planted in its place somewhere on the grounds."

Today, April 9, the contractors are set to remove the stump and complete the job.

The company carries out tree pruning services, tree and stump removal, as well as hedge and conifer trimming. The company is also approved by the Arboriculture Association.

A job well done

The gatehouse, a Grade II listed building, is all that now remains of the demolished Lostock Hall, which was built as a manor house for the Anderton family. The main front is of ashlar and the other three sides are covered with thin coursed rubble.

The central arch was originally open, which a man could ride through, is now built up with a doorway. Originally there were no windows on the ground floor, but two sash windows have been introduced between the Tuscan columns, one on each side of the door.

The upper floor windows are flanked by pairs of widely spaced Ionic and Corinthian columns. Above the first-floor window is a square panel with the Anderton coat of arms, and above the second-floor window is a shield bearing the royal arms of Queen Elizabeth I with the date 1591 and the royal initials E.R. For many years the gatehouse was also used as a farmhouse, but today is a private residence.