Temporarily tying back branches for access

[Verena]

Hi all, I'm currently trying to work out how semi-mature horse chestnuts can be managed during the construction phase of a project. They're technically of low retention value, however, there's some sentimental value attached to them so I'm trying to avoid removal and even pruning (understanding that the species doesn't tolerate pruning very well). They sit adjacent to the construction route, and whilst most vehicles and plant can avoid the canopies (they will be fenced off most of the time), there will be at least two occasions during which wider loads have to pass. Has anyone ever had this scenario and found a solution? This might be a bit "out there" but is tying back of young branches a thing? I'm guessing for it to work, it really depends on the species, assuming birch would probably be ok but horse chestnut maybe not? A crown lift is not an option, the trees are only 6m high, same as the maximum height of the largest load passing by. Image attached shows route, with trees in question to the left. Thank you!

[Stere]

Must be a very wide load looks a good space

 

First tree on the left/wind turbine side has already being pruned back before in the past and could be again to the same points without issues reckon.

[Dan Maynard]

Yes done similar in driveways, you can chuck a rope round and pull them back a bit, but you'll gain a metre maybe two before you hit the wood too thick to bend.

 

Alternatively drive through and then clean up whatever breaks.

[doobin]

31 minutes ago, Stere said:

Must be a very wide load looks a good space

 

First tree on the left/wind turbine side has already being pruned back before in the past and could be again to the same points without issues reckon.

Yes must be a hell of a load. What is it?

[Verena]

1 hour ago, doobin said:

Yes must be a hell of a load. What is it?

Transformer unit

[openspaceman]

2 hours ago, Verena said:

A crown lift is not an option, the trees are only 6m high, same as the maximum height of the largest load passing by.

I can see there may be good reasons not to be involved with cutting but those lower branches are going to carry on growing outward and will make access by any vehicles difficult over time.

[scbk]

The one on the left has been pruned already. I say just go along with a polesaw beforehand and trim off whatever is sticking miles out.

 

How wide is the transformer?

[Steven P]

Would be a 1 time install, replacement in 30-40 years time when the trees might be suitable for a crown lift if necessary.

 

Are we looking at 1 to 2m overlap from the transformer to the tree branches?