Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 1

Where to cut this oak to minimise stress on what remains


SbTVF
 Share

Question

Farmers/Firewood merchant more than homeowners question here but... Big old 5 stemmed (possibly coppiced a long long time ago) oak and 2 of the stems are leaning heavily over a field edge so far that we haven't had a tractor under for years.

 

We'd like access but don't want to damage the tree if it can be helped as the remaining 3 stems are easily over 20" dbh and looking very healthy.

 

Pictures attached, where is the best place to cut please? In the second picture one stem is directly behind the other. 324be4d4eae1a225fc954a0f93ab8f64.jpgaa65d4557fa10552dd84c79950895d24.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Recommended Posts

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 0
with big wounds right near the ground it could be more prone to decay getting into the 3 retained stems, the leaning one could be cut into the field a bit and still give access, for the reason of slowing/preventing infection I would suggest 10ft above ground.
I'm not a consultant. If you paid the best consultant in the land for their advice you would be very upset at the loss of so much money, but your tree may end up happier.
It's about 20ft from a beck and is pretty much in an old field beck/ditch that used to run from further up the wood according to dad.
Should get plenty of water I would think?

Happy to cut it further up the stem if its more beneficial to the trees health.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Here’s my tuppence-worth:
Coppice the two stems you want gone down at ground level. Often we leave single upright stems on coppice stools in the wood. Yes it is leaving large wounds at the base of the other stems, but if it is an old coppice, which it does look like, there will already be an amount of dead wood in that region from previous cuts.
Ideally you would have done it over winter when the tree was dormant, but to do it now the remaining canopy cover will help supply energy for the tree to compartmentalise and resist infection.
When making the cuts go higher first, and then do a finishing cut in at the desired location to prevent tearing down the sides and try to leave the finishing cut as clean, smooth and square to the stem angle as possible. Ideally this will be level with the top of the root flair on each stem.
... and do your very best not to overcut into the stems you intend to retain as you do the finishing cuts!

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
4 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Just above the fence line.

 

Watch out for barber chairing, heavy learners like that are very prone to it.

 

..... An that power tape...  Give you a right belt that will tha knoes, appen.  K

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
Quite so.
 
Being farmer sorts I figured a quick dismantle of the fence would be on the cards.
Fence is knackered and ready for replacement hence wanting the heavy leaners dealt with first. Nothing more annoying than doing a lovely wire fence perfectly tensioned and a tree flattening it!
  • 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.