Ash in Mid Wales - should it be saved ?

[domrob]

We've got the option on cutting down a mature ash tree close to the house. There is evidence of some kind of disease or other issue at the bottom of the tree with the bark breaking away and blackened trunk beneath. Obviously we want to avoid cutting down trees but dont have the expertise to make an informed decision. Can anyone offer any insight or advice on this case. There is plenty of ash dieback in the local area though other trees close by seem to have withstood this so far. It would be good to know if this is worth saving or likely to turn into a bigger problem down the line.

Thanks for all your help. Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

 

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, domrob said:

We've got the option on cutting down a mature ash tree close to the house. There is evidence of some kind of disease or other issue at the bottom of the tree with the bark breaking away and blackened trunk beneath. Obviously we want to avoid cutting down trees but dont have the expertise to make an informed decision. Can anyone offer any insight or advice on this case. There is plenty of ash dieback in the local area though other trees close by seem to have withstood this so far. It would be good to know if this is worth saving or likely to turn into a bigger problem down the line.

Thanks for all your help. Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

 

Based on some Ash trees near me ( that have just blown over with no targets ) with  the same sort of degradation that yours display I would have it down . just me . 

[domrob]

Thanks Stubby! its probably the only option. Just would be good to know what the issue with the tree is, especially in case it turns up elsewhere.

[slack ma girdle]

If it falls, what is it likely to fall on?

If nothing of importance leave it alone to do its thing, don't park near it particularly in stormy weather.

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, slack ma girdle said:

If it falls, what is it likely to fall on?

If nothing of importance leave it alone to do its thing, don't park near it particularly in stormy weather.

He says its close to the house . Otherwise I would agree with you . 

[manco]

another vote to leave it alone, probably take some weight off the top with a professional reduction.

questions to consider: how much top is on it? cant see from the photos supplied. what will it hit if it fails? looks like a bit of fencing and an open field? which way is the main wind coming from?

 

the ultimate answer is if youre seriously worried and can afford it maybe it needs to go.

 

 

[Stubby]

11 minutes ago, manco said:

another vote to leave it alone, probably take some weight off the top with a professional reduction.

questions to consider: how much top is on it? cant see from the photos supplied. what will it hit if it fails? looks like a bit of fencing and an open field? which way is the main wind coming from?

 

the ultimate answer is if youre seriously worried and can afford it maybe it needs to go.

 

 

In the original post he says its close to the house . 

[manco]

Just now, Stubby said:

In the original post he says its close to the house . 

noted, but the photo seems to show lean towards the field? 

subject to top weight on the tree, and wind direction.

"close" to the house is also subjective

 

my final comments being if theyre sufficiently worried then drop it.

even the best of us cant or wont state unconditionally that its safe to remain?

i never state that any established tree is "safe".