Does it stay or does it go?

[Taupotreeman]

Got called out to this Red Oak today. When replacing the broken footpath in the second picture the contractors have just ripped the roots out with a digger. There's about 15% of the roots been removed and the tree has a bit of a lean although not sure if this has developed after the last strong winds or if the tree has always been like this. The tree in the back ground is pretty upright incomparison. My worry is that the root destruction by the contractors has compromised the stability of the tree. Suggestions?

[treesnatcher]

you could try asking the client if they have any old photos showing the tree. might show if the lean has increased.

[Taupotreeman]

Council tree so no photos what so ever. I'm the first arborist they've had and they don't generally take photos of their assett unless the tree is due to be removed, unfortunately.

[Eagle]

Put the address into Google Maps and use their Street View and that will show you what the tree looked like before....

[agg221]

Bit unconventional, but have you tried asking the neighbours - the houses along the street - it may also pave the way for better understanding of why you eventually end up following whatever course of action you opt for.

 

Alec

[ben lightfoot]

Put the address into Google Maps and use their Street View and that will show you what the tree looked like before....

 

Dont think they have google street view in new zealand? although i could be wrong

[likeitorlumpit]

My gut feeling is that tree has had that lean for some time

Look at the kink and imagine what the tree would look like if it was pulled vertical. The top would be growing to the right- un natural methinks

[Taupotreeman]

Yes, we have street view, despite being stuck in the 70's apparently but don't think that is going to work unfortunately. As for the neighbours; problem is many people want to see the back of the trees due to the amount of leaves they drop in autumn so would be quite happy to say it's started to lean if they thought it would get the tree removed.

[Paul Barton]

My gut feeling is that tree has had that lean for some time

Look at the kink and imagine what the tree would look like if it was pulled vertical. The top would be growing to the right- un natural methinks

 

Agreed - take a look at the tips of the crown. You may be able to see where the growth curves/kinks as the tree optimizes itself. If the tips are all leaning as well then the tree has probably moved recently.

 

Any chance of air-spading around the base to look at the suspected root damage?

[atree]

Dont think they have google street view in new zealand? although i could be wrong

 

Hahaha it is 2011 you know.