Copper Beech Tree issue

[Peartree2025]

Hi there,

 

I'm hoping for any thoughts/advice you may have...

 

My neighbour's Copper Beech Tree fell into my our property recently. This was a very mature tree, possibly 60m in height, and had been progressively leaning. The neighbour's boundary wall had also progressively crumbled, which was adjacent to the tree. We had mentioned this to our neighbour who assured us the tree was fine and that the wall crumbled as a result of conifer roots. However, within 10 days, the Beech tree fell. There was no expert consultation in those 10 days. 

 

Our neighbour has another remaining Copper Beech Tree, again around 60m in height, which is around 5m from where the first tree was. We are very concerned about this tree given its position, as it would fall directly into our bedroom or our daughter's bedroom. The neighbour asked a tree surgeon to rather lightly trim this tree but nothing else has been done, despite our pleas. I am very worried that the first tree leaning would be indicative of a root problem (soil instability, fungal growth etc) which would also affect the second tree, given their proximity. Would you have any advice on what our next steps should be?

 

Thank you very much in advance 

[Mark J]

I would pay money to see a 60m tall copper beech. 

[Mark Bolam]

It’s not 60m, but if it’s big enough to cause damage it’s still a potential issue.

 

No point anyone commenting further without pictures, the more the better.

Overview shots and close ups of base of tree would tell us a lot more.

[Mesterh]

As mark said pics would be good. A tree inspection would also help.

Ill hazard at a guess that the fallen tree had meripilus. That's in my expert internet opinion of course.

 

 

[jfc]

Given what happened to the other tree it would be reasonable to ask fairly assertively, that a Tree Hazard Survey be conducted by someone with the Professional Tree Inspection qualification with a formal written report. For a single Tree this would probably be approx £300.

 

Don't be fobbed off with... ' I got a tree surgeon to look at it, he said its fine.'

 

The National tree safety group NTSG, have just updated their Common Sense Tree Management guidance 2024. There's a summary and full report. They are free to download. Lots of good info on tree owners responsibilities.

 

The neighbour doesn't have to do anything but given the precedent with the other tree it would be very prudent for him to get the tree properly inspected.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Jan.

 

[Peartree2025]

Thanks for this. To be honest, it's really difficult to estimate the height. It's over twice the height of a two-storey house- big, basically, and would fall across a busy road and into our house. 

 

It's nearly impossible to get good photos without going on to my neighbours property, and I understand the need to look at the base of the tree. These photos are from today - yesterday they had it pruned back on top by a few metres and the canopy lightened, presumably as a heavy canopy would make it more likely to fall? 

 

I'm really very worried however. Would a Tree Hazard inspection include a soil sample and looking at health of other remaining tree stump? 

[peds]

18 minutes ago, Peartree2025 said:

Thanks for this. To be honest, it's really difficult to estimate the height. It's over twice the height of a two-storey house- 

 

Yeah, but a 20m tree is also more than twice the height of a two-storey house. 

 

That said, it does look like a pretty big tree. Given the recent history, I'd want assurances on paper about the health of the tree from someone who knows what they're talking about. 

[Peartree2025]

I completely take your point peds- I've just realised I've been saying metres but meant feet 🤦🏼‍♀️. I shouldn't have posted late at night! 

 

Any other detail on what exactly should be included in inspection would be appreciated.

[Mick Dempsey]

If you give us the address we can look on google street view.

[Peartree2025]

Sorry I just wouldn't feel comfortable posting address on internet, I hope that makes sense!

 

I spoke with the neighbour and they said the company who pruned the trees yesterday also looked at base of tree for any fungus etc. I've looked them up online and it's really difficult to see qualifications. What should I be looking for, or is there a register etc I can check?