Arbtalk.co.uk | Discussion Forum for Arborists

Hey, basically i am newly qualified and need some advise. I have been asked to look at a friends' Willow tree and decide what needs doing to it.

There is alot of flaking bark going up the stem as far as the first union, and there is green mouldy looking stuff in the canopy

http://img196.imageshack.us/i/dsc00749sci.jpg/

http://img9.imageshack.us/i/dsc00750z.jpg/

http://img36.imageshack.us/i/dsc00751c.jpg/



Stu.

Personally my attitude to willows is that to get rid of them you need dynamite. Not very helpful but gives you a flavour of their resilience; it's common to find them with inches of rotten sponge in the heart of the stems yet the tree's good. In short don't be phased by minor imperfections.

heres a willow in the village where i grew up this has been like this for more than 20 years showing just how hardy they are

I take your points about how hardy Willows are, however speaking from personal experience; when they reach a certain age they can be prone to catastrophic limb failure. I’ve had two go here in Worcester which I feel could have been prevented by heavy crown reduction (Willows can certainly take this type of abuse).

The key I feel is have a good look round the tree for signs reaction growth (under large heavy limbs and also on the main stem) Willows often have internal cracks in the main stem which would also show-up as there is usually an abundance of reaction growth in and around the area.

If in doubt, if the tree is over-mature and if there is a target – I’d recommend a heavy reduction, followed by further remedial work three years after that (crown thinning re-growth etc to manage weight/sail area.

I agree with what John says, reduce the limbs back, if its an old tree this may be a bit more risky as its vigor is not as strong as a younger tree.Doesnt seem to be much callus growth on the wounds suggesting vigor is not great.Lots of woodlice on it too.The green stuff just looks like lichen, nothing to worry about.

How high is it?

It is about 50-60ft high. It has had a crown reduction, looks to have been done only a few years ago. The tree is situated in a school which is my cause for concern. It does look healthy overall was just the bark that worried me, and if there was to be some sudden snappage then theres an old asbestos building right next to it! Think ill reduce the crown a bit and maybe get rid of the branches so there can be no chance of smashing that asbestos! Thanks for all your comments.

what was the reason for its previous reduction ??? personally if it is in an area with a target such as a school i would look to get someone in to inspect it using Q.T.R.A i dont mean to sound like im putting you down but a little knowledge in situations like this can prove to be dangerous .

There's a few big old weeping willows near me that have had some major limbs fail!! It seems once they hit a certain age they just think sod it! haha

Like combined tree seres says if your unsure get someone else in to have a look at it,dont want it failing with all those targets around!