The trust said it recognised the importance of the tree to its visitors but the decision was made to “prevent future risk to the public and to ensure the long-term safety of the site”.
In 2025, the tallest tree at the garden also had to be felled after it had developed two large vertical cracks, and a fungus.
Barley said a number of experts were involved with this decision, which included the Saltram rangers, who are trained tree inspectors, regional and national advisers, and external arboriculturists “who used advanced technology to measure the extent of the decay at the base of the tree”.
“All agreed that it would not be responsible of us to retain this tree in this location.
“We take our responsibilities to safety very seriously, but also our responsibility to the care for trees for all the many things they provide, homes for wildlife, carbon storage, clean air and water, and beauty and meaning for people.
He added: “At Saltram and across the trust we have very many trees under careful conservation management, as well as plans to establish millions more.”