But its sheer scale may yet be its downfall as its roots have put one court – soon to be two – at Chipstead Lawn Tennis Club out of action – something bosses claim could spell their demise.
“We’ve made every effort not to damage the tree so this is not a decision we’ve taken lightly – we feel this is a last resort,” chairman of the club David Pettitt told the Chronicle.
“We’re reaching the point where it’s the tree or us.”
Then, 18 months ago £10,000 was paid out of club savings for a non-invasive root barrier in the hope it would be enough to hold off the problem for a few more years but continue to uphold the Tree Preservation Order on the Redwood.
“The problem is that the massive redwood is right next to our courts,” Mr Pettitt said.
“We have got four courts, 200 members and coaching for 200 kids and if we can’t address the problem, we’ll be less one if not two courts and that will impact the club financially.”
“If we can’t regain use of all of the courts then we won’t be able to play the matches and the numbers of kids we coach would have to be cut as well.
“We’re really hoping that the council will be sympathetic.
Mr Pettitt added: “I don’t know how likely that is, but if it did happen, they would consider us responsible so there are a number of things that have got us to this point.
A decision on the future of the tree is expected from council officers on December 29.
