Hamas big reduction/pruning thread!

[buffalo606]

Before, during, after..

Used to love doing these in London, silky & sectors, good times

[buffalo606]

(secateurs)

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Not sure where the older photos are but this tree and me go back to about 2009-10, reduced here fairly hard due to Inonotus dryadeus colonisation. She has four to five years growth on her now and looking very very well indeed, check on her every year without fail, special tree to me this one, shall find the original line up of photos at some stage.

 

I found one! the 5th image is in her original glory before the work, and after with one of the brackets too, been several fruitings over the last 4-5 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Paul Barton]

Looking good Tony. I note from other threads that you are quite confident that Oaks fail pretty rarely due to this fungus. However, given that the tree in these photos is in a public space, did you do much to assess the extent of decay before reducing the crown?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Looking good Tony. I note from other threads that you are quite confident that Oaks fail pretty rarely due to this fungus. However, given that the tree in these photos is in a public space, did you do much to assess the extent of decay before reducing the crown?

 

Apparently a consultant was brought in to asses that, never saw a report, nor knew who the consultant is.

 

all I know is the specifications where for the reduction and to fell in thirty years.

 

think about that one for a moment!

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Looking good Tony. I note from other threads that you are quite confident that Oaks fail pretty rarely due to this fungus. However, given that the tree in these photos is in a public space, did you do much to assess the extent of decay before reducing the crown?

 

Ive seen trees completely get over this fungus, the cavities are quite distinctive too, will try to dig out some images at some stage and discuss this one further.

 

I know many people now say exactly what you said about my feelings on this fungus, I have seen literally thousands of cases Paul, and only two failures.

 

there are obviously other documented failures, it is a feared root decay, but in my experience it is more the trees vitality than the fungus itself that poses the issues.

 

A healthy tree can and will outpace this fungus, its just not that aggressive, and as long as were addressing the mechanical potentials for shear killing roots to be eroded, we don't need to fear it, act and work to the worst expectations and there will be few issues with a failure.

Edited July 21, 2014 by Tony Croft aka hamadryad

[Paul Barton]

Do you think air-spading is the most effective method of assessment for this decay then?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Do you think air-spading is the most effective method of assessment for this decay then?

 

I dont think its needed most of the time, a dig in half a dozen places should reveal how good the shear kill zone is.

 

obviously if there is money about getting an air spade round to do the odd investigation in half a dozen zones is better than a trowel but not better value wise or speed wise.

 

I can usualy tell from the language how extensive it is, I prune accordingly, using my understanding of mechanics and fungi, not recommended of course but effective in MANY cases, all still standing to this day.

 

There is no easy answer Paul at the end of the day, its why I spent the best part of my life trying to understand these things, I hate making fell judgments when there is another option. I may take it further than 99% of arbs would dare, but I evaluate things very carefully.

 

if we consider the risks from trees, and do the very best (I think its well known I know my onions / qualified) To reduce those risks further, there is very very small % i will get it wrong. I have an impeccable record thus far, which is amazing given the cases I have to deal with.

 

Thats not being big headed or blowing my own trumpet, thats stating the obvious.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

A really nice Purple/copper Beech from today, the client loves this tree but the TO refused to put a TPO on it stating it was not worthy (due to heavy side limb Rival leader) I don't see many this quality!

 

I was well pleased with it, then the client says "we have had this done three times now over the last 20 years, but this is the best its ever been done" cant beat that kinda comment.

 

 

 

[john p]

Smashing job that!