The tree planted last month to commemorate the suffragette who ran out in front of the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby 100 years is itself close to death, it has emerged.

Concerned residents contacted the Epsom Guardian after seeing the snake-bark maple tree, which is planted in the grounds of the Old Cottage Hospital, in Alexandra Road, Epsom, where Emily Davison died, looking limp and with yellow, dry leaves.

They believed it was dying because it had not been watered in the hot weather but Mike Ford, chairman of Epsom’s Tree Advisory Board (TAB), which is responsible for the tree’s upkeep, said it is suffering from verticillium wilt - which is caused by a problem with the tree’s roots system not taking to the soil in which it is planted.

Mr Ford said he has watered the tree with a "couple of gallons" a day ever since it was planted and that he is now also adding fertilising poultry pellets in a bid to revive it.

He said: "It’s really disappointing because of the tree’s connotations. 

"Some people have been concerned that it is like this through neglect. 

"I’ve not done 19 years on the board as chairman to let that one die.

"I’m doing my best to save it."

Mr Ford said he is "50:50" on whether the tree will survive.

He added: "The tree officer hopes the pellets will have an effect. 

"But every time I look at it, it seems to be getting terminally worse."

He said the TAB will monitor the situation in coming months and that a replacement of the same type of tree will be planted in November if necessary in different soil.