Two new trees for Ascot enclosure

Ascot Racecourse has been given a new look thanks to two new trees planted by tree supply, plant and relocation specialist Glendale Civic Trees.

As part of a series of ongoing improvements, a £700,000 new unsaddling enclosure is being created at the famous horseracing venue in Berkshire.

A tree, which had been planted to mark the unveiling of a previous £200million redevelopment in 2006, was due to be relocated to the new enclosure, which is being made bigger to accommodate more horses and create a more comfortable environment for when they finish a race.

Civic Trees was commissioned to carry out the work before the team on site determined the relocation project was unsafe due to unsuitable ground conditions.

Instead, the company sourced two large, semi-mature tulip trees, liriodendron tulipifera, which a team of four specialists planted, specially positioned to provide maximum shade for the oval lawn within the new enclosure.

Deric Newman, sales manager at Civic Trees, said: “This has been an important project requiring specialist knowledge and equipment, at a prestigious venue which often has all eyes on it when playing host to major sporting events such as Royal Ascot.

“After initially attempting to relocate the existing tree, a process cancelled due to concerns about the safety of the tree, members of the public and the horses, we worked with the client and main contractor to provide an alternative solution.

“The overall result has made the area more visually appealing and completes the architect’s original design. Most importantly, the trees are going to result in improved conditions for the horses.”