‘Prop’er job for Killerton’s iconic Sweet Chestnut tree

The majestic Sweet Chestnut tree that stands proudly next to Killerton House has had some special care and attention, as tree consultants installed a new support for its largest branch. 

The tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, is an instantly recognisable part of the walk along the drive to the house. Its largest branch sits at an impressive 90 degrees to the main trunk and had been propped up with wooden beams over 80 years ago. However the prop was beginning to weather and become unstable, putting the branch at risk of collapse.

Mat Shute from East Devon Tree Care specialises in caring for ancient and veteran trees and designed and installed the new prop. He explains: ‘We replicated the old prop in solid oak and have by bolted it onto the old one. The decision not to remove the old prop was made to decrease stress to the tree, as it is believed the branch has been propped for a long time and will have grown around it. We also made sure the tree’s roots were not damaged by the new prop by avoiding extensive digging, instead using a wooden beam to support the prop on the ground.’

Fi Hailstone, Nature Officer for the Killerton Estate adds: ‘There was an identical branch on the opposite side of the tree that collapsed a long time ago, which is probably why the remaining branch was propped in the first place. Mat and his team have done a stunning job with the new prop so I’m hopeful it will last as long as the old one has.’

Looking after this special tree won’t just be beneficial for people and the landscape. Many different species of birds, bats, invertebrates and fungi use ancient trees to survive, with some relying specifically on the features that ancient trees possess such as flaking bark and rot holes.

Fi continues: ‘The ancient Sweet Chestnut is iconic within Killerton’s historic parkland, every visitor stops to look at it, it’s an incredible tree. Ancient trees provide some of the rarest habitat in the world so it’s great to be able to take care of trees like this one that means so much to people and wildlife.’

To help look after the majestic trees like the Sweet Chestnut, you can donate to our 2019 fundraising appeal. Every penny you donate will go towards the care of trees and the 1200 acres of woodland across the Killerton Estate. To find out more, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/care-for-killerton