Weymouth Seafront Palm Trees to Be Replaced Due to Structural Damage

Two well-known palm trees on Weymouth’s Esplanade are set to be removed and replaced after causing structural damage to the promenade and road. Originally installed as a temporary feature ahead of the town’s 2012 Olympic Games events, the trees have since outgrown their planters, leading to safety concerns. Weymouth Town Council has now approved a £10,000 plan to replace them with smaller cabbage palm trees and carry out essential repairs...

Picture BBC

Why Are the Palm Trees Being Removed?

The palm trees have significantly grown over the past 12 years, damaging their stonework planters and pushing up roots, which has made the surrounding area uneven. The council’s environment and services committee highlighted that the locations were not originally prepared for long-term tree growth. As a result, leaving the trees in place would only worsen the damage and lead to increased costs and safety risks.

What Will Replace the Trees?

Instead of relocating the trees, which has proven unfeasible, they will be removed and replaced with smaller cabbage palm trees. The council has committed to planting two additional trees in a green space elsewhere in Weymouth for every tree taken down, following its tree policy. Repairs to the damaged planters and surrounding promenade will also take place, along with the installation of 15 new cast metal bollards to enhance public safety.

Future Management of Seafront Trees

This project is part of a wider plan to maintain Weymouth’s seafront greenery. Five additional trees are expected to outgrow their planters in the coming years, and the council has agreed to replace them when necessary. The new cabbage palm trees are anticipated to require further management in about a decade, though their long-term survival at the site remains uncertain.

By taking action now, Weymouth Town Council aims to preserve the appearance of the Esplanade while ensuring the area remains safe and accessible for residents and visitors.

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