Tree decay

[Stephen Jamieson]

Hi what is the opinion of stability of this extremely large TPO protected Eucalyptus tree and his the Local authority responsible if it fails after refusing consent to fell would they be liable?

 

 

[Steve Bullman]

Impossible to comment on the stability from one photo like that. You’d need to carry out a picus test to see the extent of any decay. Even then it doesn’t necessarily mean the tree is unstable if there’s decay found. 
 

not sure on the issue of the council being liable, but if a proper inspection and report from a qualified professional was carried out and subsequently condemned the tree, they would have to reassess their original ruling I expect 

[woody paul]

Have you requested to fell it and they refused. 

Any idea what coursed damage. 

Just get a long screw driver and see if you can push it into decayed area. 

[openspaceman]

31 minutes ago, Steve Bullman said:

Impossible to comment on the stability from one photo like that. You’d need to carry out a picus test to see the extent of any decay. Even then it doesn’t necessarily mean the tree is unstable if there’s decay found. 
 

not sure on the issue of the council being liable, but if a proper inspection and report from a qualified professional was carried out and subsequently condemned the tree, they would have to reassess their original ruling I expect 

What are the consequences of having a bonfire close to a protected tree such that it may need felling?

[Steve Bullman]

Just now, openspaceman said:

What are the consequences of having a bonfire close to a protected tree such that it may need felling?

Wouldn’t even like to say! Wilful neglect? Unlawful damage? Someone like @daltontrees would know better than me 

[Steve Bullman]

I guess the onus would be on the council to prove it was done intentionally to cause damage to the tree. Probably an easy thing to claim ignorance on, unless you’re a tree surgeon of course 

[devon TWiG]

Just because it has a TPO does not mean it can't be felled , you need to seek permission stating reasons / justification  , a report from a tree specialist would help in this scenario .  

[Khriss]

Same , get a report done and go from there . Pruning may be an option for stability , however its vitality and long term retention aint going to appear from a photo . K

[openspaceman]

10 hours ago, Steve Bullman said:

guess the onus would be on the council to prove it was done intentionally to cause damage to the tree.

I used to see a lot of trees in both gardens and woods where a fire had cause this sort of damage and I would say it was never intentional, just people, including gardeners and woodland workers, not realising the effect of even quite mild temperatures of over 70C.

[daltontrees]

18 hours ago, openspaceman said:

What are the consequences of having a bonfire close to a protected tree such that it may need felling?

That would be wilful damage, carrying unlimited fine on indictment.