FAO Hama, MonkeyD and other hippy treehuggy types

[Andy Collins]

OK I have this wonderful old Oak tree in a nicely sheltered position. Its still thriving though mucho decay lower down. What I'd like to do is ideally leave it to its own devices, to see its time out gracefully. However, it does have a minor target, ie new park fencing which isnt the cheapest to replace. What I'd like to know from you esteemed gentlemen, is what would recommend to hold the trunk together, or indeed would you bother? As far as tree surgery goes, I dont really wish to remove any growth, as I think it needs all the help it can get. Thoughts and opinions gladly welcomed.

[Amelanchier]

Bolt it. She won't mind.

[Marcus B-T]

Can you post a picture of the whole tree please and an idea of dbh i am thinking there is on budget to keep it so lowest cost option?

[Andy Collins]

The dbh is around 3feet, sorry I didnt take any pics from the far side as the sunlight was far too bright, but the crown has reformed quite healthily, though no more than about 35feet high and approx 30feet wide

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

i can see some buckles at the edges of occlusions, indicating stress points and folding.

 

A SLIGHT lightening of lever arms would help and as tony suggested, a few bolts would help her.

[Andy Collins]

Budget is not really an issue, but I dont wish to do more than absolutely necessary. Its a venerable old tree, I'm sort of leaning toward rod bracing just to help prevent it pulling itself apart.

[Andy Collins]

Ok next question, if I go with rod bracing, how many, distance between rods?

And, as its in a conservation area, and the trunk would require drilling, and given that drilling is invasive, would i need to notify the TO?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

If she is folding at the edges, she needs lightening, rods will help but, also increase stresses at certain points.

 

If you see a dip in one side of the cavity wall and a corresponding bulge as near as dam it opposite on the opossing wall she is failing by "hose pipe kinking" and the only real solution is to lighten her loads and give the walls a chance to thicken in keeping with the stress.

 

The body language of the formations should be the guide always.

[David oakman]

She needs a the lowest crown as she can get with that trunk and she seems to have done that. As Tony said get the weight and balance right and she will stand for years. I would not bolt her Andy she looks like she is doing all the right things for herself:001_smile:

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

The dip and bulges of hose pipe failure.