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����Ӱҵ College’s Tree Court is renowned as a sanctuary just metres from Cambridge’s historic and bustling city centre. The first impression of Caius familiar to many has now changed, with safety concerns prompted by disease necessitating the removal of all 10 of the trees from Tree Court.

The health of the trees has been continually monitored and of growing concern. The walnut tree, in the north lawn of Tree Court, had , while the Swedish whitebeam trees () and President’s apple tree had .

Strong winds in September saw a limb come down over the lawn and two diseased whitebeam trees were removed for safety reasons earlier in Michaelmas Term. Now six more whitebeam trees have been removed, along with the walnut tree and apple tree, leaving Tree Court without trees.

Tree Court will remain tree-free for some time, with the disease necessitating the removal of as much of the trees as possible, including the stumps and roots. Discussions are already underway at the Garden Committee to identify suitable replacement trees and a realistic timeframe for safe planting.

Dr Edmund Tanner, Chair of the Gardens Committee and a retired University lecturer in Botany, specialising in tropical trees, said: “The Tree Court we know and love has sadly changed forever. Trees have a lifecycle and we knew this day would come. While there may be a sense of shock that all the trees have had to be removed at the same time, we hope replanting when it happens will have an uplifting effect.”

Domestic Bursar Karen Ball said: “It is sad to preside over the felling of our beloved trees. We hope, in time, Tree Court will be back. I would like to thank the staff, particularly Head Gardener Phil Brett and his team, and the specialist contractors, for their work.”

For a timelapse of the work and selected images, click the videos below and visit the gallery of images which shows Tree Court through the years.