Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 0

Copper Beech


njm
 Share

Question

Hi ,

Not my field so advice required  , 10 months ago my new neighbour approached me about trimming my 25 / 30 year old copper beech on there boundary line  i had no issue as it was agreed that it would be done while the tree was dormant in winter ,  said trimming was ok with no issues but 2 weeks ago in the middle of the hot spell they have now taken a second bash at the tree as apparently there garden requires more light for there enjoyment !   as can be seen there are now rather a lot of dead leaves on the trimmed side of the tree , if they continue will this cause permanent damage to my tree and should  the canopy be reduced this winter to try and keep the issue from escalating ?   Thanks in advance 

tree 003.JPG

Edited by njm
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Recommended Posts

  • 0

My thoughts would be that the removal of the outer, overhanging branches have now exposed the shade leaves (in the interior crown|) to direct full sun that may well be the cause to the browning off, as they have not adapted to take the full sun. Any further pruning works would be best in winter or when in a non drought summer. Bear in mind that this a young copper beech which has the potential to grow four times the size,

 

It might be more preferable to raise the crown (which will allow light to the ground floor level. This could be repeated in 5-10 years or so (a few metres every time - maybe 2m above fence level to start with and then to gutter level the second time) which will push the crown higher up. Crown reductions rarely increase much light penetration....and once initatied you will be repeating reductions every 5 or so years which will be quite a cost to bear for no real gain. You could also include a light crown thin too which would involve taking say 10% if the crown out in a systematic fashion as the same time as crown raising to allow a bit more light through but you shouldnt prune too heavy on beech as the the bark is sensitive to sun scorch.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 0
3 minutes ago, Treeation said:

My thoughts would be that the removal of the outer, overhanging branches have now exposed the shade leaves (in the interior crown|) to direct full sun that may well be the cause to the browning off, as they have not adapted to take the full sun. Any further pruning works would be best in winter or when in a non drought summer.

That was my thought too but would still think summer pruning was better.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Repeated work will have to be performed on this tree to prevent it getting out of hand and prevention of neighbourly dispute.

Id seriously consider removal at this point as its just going to get bigger and cost you more long term.

Damn shame cause its a crackin tree but just in the wrong place.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
14 minutes ago, Treeation said:

My thoughts would be that the removal of the outer, overhanging branches have now exposed the shade leaves (in the interior crown|) to direct full sun that may well be the cause to the browning off, as they have not adapted to take the full sun. Any further pruning works would be best in winter or when in a non drought summer. Bear in mind that this a young copper beech which has the potential to grow four times the size,

 

It might be more preferable to raise the crown (which will allow light to the ground floor level. This could be repeated in 5-10 years or so (a few metres every time - maybe 2m above fence level to start with and then to gutter level the second time) which will push the crown higher up. Crown reductions rarely increase much light penetration....and once initatied you will be repeating reductions every 5 or so years which will be quite a cost to bear for no real gain. You could also include a light crown thin too which would involve taking say 10% if the crown out in a systematic fashion as the same time as crown raising to allow a bit more light through but you shouldnt prune too heavy on beech as the the bark is sensitive to sun scorch.

Yes i had considered having the crown raised as i can hardly walk under the branches at this time of year  ,  when the tree was planted by original house owner there was no housing to the side of the property  so the growth of the tree would not have been seen as an issue back then  , thanks 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
2 minutes ago, stihlmadasever said:

Repeated work will have to be performed on this tree to prevent it getting out of hand and prevention of neighbourly dispute.

Id seriously consider removal at this point as its just going to get bigger and cost you more long term.

Damn shame cause its a crackin tree but just in the wrong place.

Agreed, if it’s too big now when it’s young, it’s not going to get any better.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
4 minutes ago, stihlmadasever said:

Repeated work will have to be performed on this tree to prevent it getting out of hand and prevention of neighbourly dispute.

Id seriously consider removal at this point as its just going to get bigger and cost you more long term.

Damn shame cause its a crackin tree but just in the wrong place.

Tree has no affect on my property but the housing to the side was built well after the tree was a good size  , would be a shame to remove a healthy tree i would rather try and keep it  , the neighbour has had the land owner with a tree to the South of the property top his tree after complaining about lack of light  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
4 minutes ago, njm said:

Tree has no affect on my property but the housing to the side was built well after the tree was a good size  , would be a shame to remove a healthy tree i would rather try and keep it  , the neighbour has had the land owner with a tree to the South of the property top his tree after complaining about lack of light  

As mick says we see this sort of situation alot.I agree its a crackin tree,in the wrong place though.

I stand by my original recommendation as this tree will just get bigget,cause more neighbourly friction and cost you more money to maintain it in the long run.

Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
Just now, stihlmadasever said:

As mick says we see this sort of situation alot.I agree its a crackin tree,in the wrong place though.

I stand by my original recommendation as this tree will just get bigget,cause more neighbourly friction and cost you more money to maintain it in the long run.

Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

Cheers for all the advice it is appreciated 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share


  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.