Fading leaves

Yet another of the old horse chestnut trees in Clissold Park is starting to peg out. On the south side, near the route of the buried New River, this tree always dominated that section of the park. Now, though, while the sides of the tree are still verdant and healthy, the whole middle part appears to be dying – the leaves are thin or non-extistent. It looks like it’s had a monk’s haircut. It’s a Ralph Coates tree – actually, a Terry Mancini tree would be a more accurate description. Other old trees in that part of the park – I think the former Newington Common – seem to be on their last legs as well. Is this anything to do with the work to reduce the groundwater in the area? Maybe the trees liked it when it was boggy round there.