Bracing split oak, Kent

[Mark Bolam]

A guy we have worked for has a mature oak with a large, historic split down the middle fairly close to his house.

It would be fairly catastrophic if it failed (the split has been there for years).

 

We could install Cobra bracing, but I have no qualifications in this, and wouldn’t offer him any guarantees in the event of failure.

 

If anyone in Kent (High Halden area) wants to give him a quote for bracing, please could you PM me.

 

I think rods much lower down would help as well, but this isn’t something I have the slightest clue about.

 

He is highly opposed to having the canopy reduced.

[Andrew McEwan]

If you get no joy Mark it'd be worth having a chat to Rob (Nod) at treeworker, he can help you with a sensible spec remotely I imagine, how to preload  (no not with stella) if needed, and usually has good stock of his own flat braid and slings bracing materials, which are easier and better than cobra imo, bit like gefa or the yale kit if you've seen that? He was also chatting about some 10ton dyneema  cabling gear recently. Just add lots of caveats in your quote, and I've got the isa guide somewhere if you need it re rods etc.

[Mark Bolam]

Thanks Andrew.

 

I’d rather not get involved now, I’ve never guaranteed any tree is 100% safe, and I’m not about to start.

[Dan Maynard]

Thanks Andrew.
 
I’d rather not get involved now, I’ve never guaranteed any tree is 100% safe, and I’m not about to start.

Tree 100% safe.

[Dan Maynard]

You're right though, sounds like one to avoid if they won't agree to any reduction.

[Mick Dempsey]

Reminds me of this oak I did for 2k on a Sunday just before I moved to France.

 

Was yawing apart in the wind.

Edited October 25, 2021 by Mick Dempsey

[Mark Bolam]

23 minutes ago, Dan Maynard said:

You're right though, sounds like one to avoid if they won't agree to any reduction.

It would look shit reduced Dan, maiden pedunculate oak with all the action at the tips.

Any meaningful reduction would be a ‘rollard’.

[Rich Rule]

Give Aaron a shout mate.  He has done shit loads of COBRA Bracing.  Pretty easy to do.

[Mark Bolam]

I might give him a buzz mate.

 

Macca has done plenty too, it’s the ‘guarantee’ thing that doesn’t sit well with me.

[Andrew McEwan]

I might have got the wrong end of the stick with this particular customer, but I've not been asked for or offered a guarantee that bracing is anything other than reducing the risk, I don't think others do(?) either Mark. Or if a catch system it's just there in case for some peace of mind without altering loading etc.