Cause for concern?

[Conor Wright]

I have been asked for my opinion on this horse chestnut tree, the owners would like to keep it but as the path below is heavily used by the public they have understandable concerns regarding it's safety.

My main concerns are the possibilities of serious compaction/damage to the roots and the colouration on the main stem.. I'll be honest, I don't know what it is.

Anyone care to throw their own thoughts in?

I think it would be a shame to have to remove it.

Moving the path does not seem to be an option the owners are willing to consider at this time. ( it's a heavily used right of way)

 

There was some work done to the rear of the tree i the past, by the convent nextdoor as it overhangs their wall.

 

There seems to be decay developing in some of the old cuts

 

I have a climber coming out to inspect it properly next week but am open to ideas and suggestions.

 

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[woody paul]

Wait till climber has a look then decide. 

 

[AHPP]

Looks fine. 7.5% reduction. £4900.

[Wonky]

I’d says that green stuff is just where the sun don’t shine. 

 

I saw it it on a lot of beech trees all on the same N-NE side in the woods over the park, except it was 6’ up and the trees were on a 25\30* slope

 

as for root compaction, ? Tarmac must be elevating it some...

[Gary Prentice]

So it's lifting the tarmac, that's only to be expected and if it was left be,  it would be unlikely to be of any detriment to the tree. The problem comes when someone wants to make good the distortion in the footpath to prevent trips and falls and then tears away half of the root system to relay a new path! 

 

You need an aerial inspection to assess the extent of any decay in or around existing pruning wounds. The results of this should go to deciding further action, if any.

 

The discolouration on the stem if just lichen by the look of it. No concerns, just an indicator of air quality. 

[maria warwick]

Remove tarmac and create a tree pit ?