A large eucalyptus is among around 100 trees in Jersey to have fallen during Storm Goretti last night – with those planted “in the wrong place” or covered with ivy worst affected.
Jersey Trees for Life chief executive Alex Morel, who has been surveying trees since the early hours of the morning, said three eucalyptus trees at Val de la Mare Arboretum had fallen in the storm – among them, a large one that islanders would recognise at the entrance of the site.
The eucalyptuses were planted in the 1970s, “probably in a spot that was not ideal”, she explained, with shallow roots on these tall trees making them especially vulnerable.
Mrs Morel said they will be replaced by trees that are “multi-stemmed” and can withstand both stormy weather and with dry springs and summers.
The Jersey Trees for Life chief executive said that many of the fallen trees spotted on Jersey’s roads had issues with ivy – a reminder for islanders to take good care of their trees.
She explained that ivy acts like a sail in the wind and weighs trees down.
“People who have been looking after their trees are reaping the rewards,” said Mrs Morel.
Val de la Mare remains closed to the public.
This morning, the Infrastructure and Environment Department had logged over 150 incidents on its interactive map – which tracks fallen trees alongside debris and other damage. This figure is evolving and will be updated throughout the day.
Some of the Island’s parks have been affected – five large trees are down at Howard Davis Park, potentially causing a danger to the public. Coronation Park has seen debris and Winston Churchill Park is partially open with two trees down. Both entrances to Park Estate from the park are blocked.
Tristen Dodd, head of highways, transport and infrastructure, said everyone should use the interactive government map before setting off on any journeys. This is available at roadworks.gov.je/EWXPublic/.
Creating the map was one of the learnings of Storm Ciarán, he explained.
Islanders should email dfi@gov.je for reports of trees down and debris, he said – leaving police lines for imminent dangers. The department is also available on 445509.