Embedded wire in tree trunk

[Verena]

Hello,

 

I was wondering what the general approach is when during a tree survey it is discovered that wires/ ropes/ cables are embedded in the trunk of a large otherwise good quality tree? 1 in 5 sites I go to have at least one tree someone tied bunting, washing lines, fence wires, barb wire or cables around. When starting off as a tree surveyor, I was told you can't tell what damage it does to the inside of the tree, so if it's anywhere near vulnerable targets, remove the tree.

 

I can't quite imagine it causing extensive decay, especially as I have seen trees where the ropes come out of the centre of the trunk (meaning it has been there for years) but the canopy looks fine. Will the tree simply grow over it and remain stable?

 

Has anybody got experience in decay detection and can tell me which (if any) method is best used to see if and how much damage is caused by embedded wire/ rope?

 

Or is it safest to just remove the tree on the basis that it's structural integrity cannot be guaranteed?

 

Any advice would be great, got this lovely oak but think it'll have to go (its actualy riddled with bark wire, cables AND ropes).

 

Thank you!

 

Verena

[treequip]

Hello,

 

I was wondering what the general approach is when during a tree survey it is discovered that wires/ ropes/ cables are embedded in the trunk of a large otherwise good quality tree? 1 in 5 sites I go to have at least one tree someone tied bunting, washing lines, fence wires, barb wire or cables around. When starting off as a tree surveyor, I was told you can't tell what damage it does to the inside of the tree, so if it's anywhere near vulnerable targets, remove the tree.

 

I can't quite imagine it causing extensive decay, especially as I have seen trees where the ropes come out of the centre of the trunk (meaning it has been there for years) but the canopy looks fine. Will the tree simply grow over it and remain stable?

 

Has anybody got experience in decay detection and can tell me which (if any) method is best used to see if and how much damage is caused by embedded wire/ rope?

 

Or is it safest to just remove the tree on the basis that it's structural integrity cannot be guaranteed?

 

Any advice would be great, got this lovely oak but think it'll have to go (its actualy riddled with bark wire, cables AND ropes).

 

Thank you!

 

Verena

 

Are you equating decay with vitality or lack there of??

[CJM]

Hello,

 

I was wondering what the general approach is when during a tree survey it is discovered that wires/ ropes/ cables are embedded in the trunk of a large otherwise good quality tree? 1 in 5 sites I go to have at least one tree someone tied bunting, washing lines, fence wires, barb wire or cables around. When starting off as a tree surveyor, I was told you can't tell what damage it does to the inside of the tree, so if it's anywhere near vulnerable targets, remove the tree.

 

I can't quite imagine it causing extensive decay, especially as I have seen trees where the ropes come out of the centre of the trunk (meaning it has been there for years) but the canopy looks fine. Will the tree simply grow over it and remain stable?

 

Has anybody got experience in decay detection and can tell me which (if any) method is best used to see if and how much damage is caused by embedded wire/ rope?

 

Or is it safest to just remove the tree on the basis that it's structural integrity cannot be guaranteed?

 

Any advice would be great, got this lovely oak but think it'll have to go (its actualy riddled with bark wire, cables AND ropes).

 

Thank you!

 

Verena

 

 

In almost all veteran trees that are situated in sub urban areas and in fence line areas will contain some kind of foreign object.

If the tree looks healthy with no sign of fruiting bodies it'll be fine

[lurcher4]

I do lots of wood of hedges find loads of barbed wire in the wood horid stuff buggers the chain right up I have found a horse shoe all but completely growed over in a trunk and lots of gate hangings most the time trees were in good nick

[devon TWiG]

If the wire / rope is around the stem in a strangulating manner it gives greater cause for concern than merely attatched to the tree .

[treeseer]

I see this a lot and it seldom causes failure.

 

structural integrity cannot ever be guaranteed