A Government spokesperson explained: “Recent strong winds have caused large cracks to form in the bark which indicated the tree is structurally unstable. These cracks run all the way down both main trunks and extend into the roots beneath the ground.”
They said the tree was therefore an “immediate danger to life as it overhangs the main pedestrian entrance to the park on Mont Millais.”
“The tree could also cause significant damage to the Howard Davis Hall which is also in the drop zone,” the spokesperson added.
The tree will be felled “as soon as possible”, they said. The area has been fenced off in advance “to prevent serious injury to islanders”, and warning signage will soon be put in place.