Damaged limb advice

[swinny]

Afternoon all,

 

I've been round and been asked to quote for removing a large damaged limb off an ash tree.....

 

The limb is about 16-18 inch diameter and runs about 40 foot...... around 6 foot from the trunk there is a split/large crack that runs 8 foot

 

this tree is on the side of a private drive..... it over hangs the drive and also there are 2 wires running through where the cracked limb over hangs.... one wire is telephone and the other is a black thicker one which i suspect to be electric... my electrician friend is going to have a look tomorrow....

 

If it is power, it will need to be dropped? who buy and roughly the costs

 

The owner of the house says the tree isn't preserved but i do not take customers word for this but the council's are shut till tuesday....

 

few pics:

 

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t338/Swinny28/HITCHCLIMBER017.jpg

 

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t338/Swinny28/HITCHCLIMBER018.jpg

 

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t338/Swinny28/HITCHCLIMBER015.jpg

 

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t338/Swinny28/HITCHCLIMBER016.jpg

 

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t338/Swinny28/HITCHCLIMBER014.jpg

 

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t338/Swinny28/HITCHCLIMBER019.jpg

 

the tree has been cracked for the last 2 weeks or so....

 

if protected can i remove the limb due to being dangerous.... needs to be done really as people walk dogs etc and there is a school at the other side of the field 400 yards

 

any tips etc

 

I was planning on anchoring in high then walking out, keeping wires held back (if not electric) and knocking the end off in bits, then piecing it back in.....

 

Any other opinions/help??

 

Cheers Chris

[armchairarborist]

it looks like the wires are holding it up to me, if so best get a MEWP in on the driveway, after getting the power switched off.

[skyhuck]

The thick wire is also a phone line.

[swinny]

it looks like the wires are holding it up to me, if so best get a MEWP in on the driveway, after getting the power switched off.

 

wires deffo not holding it up just don't want the wires coming down with the limb if i'm on it as it'll be me that has to pay for it! that feeds a few houses for telephone etc.....

 

can i go in and do it even if its preserved (not sure if it is just working with the fact it may be... but doubtful)

[Riggerbear]

Hi,

With that type of damage and the protential danger of the limb falling, even if the tree is protected ( tpo or conservation area ) with the pictures you have i would think that any LA tree officer would'nt have a problem with you removing the limb and showing them the evidence at a later stage if there was a problem.

As for the power line, if the customer rings the local power company and explains that the limb is resting on the line or at risk of bringing it down they may come out and remove the limb free of charge.

[Pat Ferrett]

I wouldnt worry about the LA just keep the pictures to hand as for the wires I would do as you said and just keep the pieces small and crack on, no pun intended

[easy-lift guy]

Cordon the area off from the public ASAP. Contact your utilities companys and get started with your plan of action. Have a Happy Easter!.

[Tommy_B]

Drive round, Find the first BT man with a bucket truck, slip him £50 and get him to go to job with you. Hop in the bucket, Piece it down, If you break a wire, slip aforementioned BT man another £50 to mend it, get paid, go down pub with new BT friend and be a hero.

 

Let us know how you get on.

[log dog]

hi had a similar situation myself recently what i would do is get customer signature stating no tpo ect .... why the panic to get limb down over easter ? how long has the split been there ? local planning officer told me they decide if its dangerous or not ! ... did job anyway and no comeback have fun

[scottythepinetree]

Can't be 100% from the picture but it looks like phone wire to me.