Guying leaning trees

[David Humphries]

Have a mature leaning Oak, that I'm considering (amongst other options) guying (+ small reduction) to a couple of nearby trees.

 

Any one have any experience or links to specific guying instalation?

 

Thanks

 

David

 

 

BS 3998:2010

10.7 Guying unstable trees

 

COMMENTARY ON 10.7

In some instances (e.g. because of the height of the tree) it might be

impracticable to use a rigid prop to support an unstable tree. A system of

cables might then be an option if site usage permits.

Where the upper crown of a tree has flopped over as a result of wind or

snow loading, it is unlikely that any form of visually acceptable artificial

support can be designed that will overcome the distortion.

Any guying system should be designed in consultation with a specialist

engineer. In order to provide adequate support, a system should

usually include two anchor points with a 60º to 90º radial separation.

Proprietary cables and anchors should be installed in accordance with

the manufacturer’s specification.

The cables should not cause damage to the tree at the point of

attachment (see 10.4.1).

 

 

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[silky fox]

Interesting Project Dave...Any idea what caused this?...Subsidence?

[Andrew Cork]

Agree with silky fox, looks an interesting challenge! Are there signs of the tree moving?

 

Looks like the upper crown is reverting and sorting itself (Could just be the pic angle tho..) along with a fair bit of adaptive growth on the topside of the butt.

 

Could it be possible that the tree has just just had to struggle in it's early years for light and developed a swept stem but adapted accordingly?

 

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious and you've already considered this, just had a 3 day job cancelled due to them filming great expectations on location so now i'm interfering with other peoples work instead...

[Stephen Blair]

Coppice, job done!

[David Humphries]

Any idea what caused this?...Subsidence?

 

Are there signs of the tree moving?

 

It's on an old bank and not currently moving, but very expensive residence within falling distance.

 

It has re-iterated toward a more optimal & geotropic form, over a long time period.

 

 

Coppice, job done!

 

One option I've considered

 

 

 

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[treeseer]

Those round burls bottom left are intriguing--wonder what's under there?

 

ANSI: Guys attached to the top half of the tree; if permanent, invasive (dead-end or through hardware) is a SHALL. Depending on how you define "damage", this seems contrary to the BS. The ISA BMP has good info and: "Permanent guy cables should not be wrapped around the tree". that needs updating imo. What options do you have to attach the guys? If a strap is used i fancy the spiral to help sap flow.

 

The BS " a system should usually include two anchor points with a 60º to 90º radial separation." seems worth including; i'll suggest that to the ANSI folks (their standard currently under revision.)

The BS calling for an engineer--glad that is not a Shall. I have had little success getting them to deal with the dynamism in trees.

 

Ansi; ground anchors go >2/3 the distance from ground to highest attachment, adjusted for slope and site. If anchoring to a tree, aim for the lower half. Cross-loading of course is avoided.

The BMP is a good buy imo.

Edited February 27, 2012 by treeseer

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

dificult tree to retrench given the competition too, considering a halo here david?

 

youve see the guyed tree on the side of the road with chick in windsor park?

[David Humphries]

Those round burls bottom left are intriguing--wonder what's under there?

 

The BMP is a good buy imo.

 

Not alot of anchoring lateral root growth under those buttress stumps. Had a good prod around on the tension side roots.

 

Trunk is home to Fistulina.

 

Thinking of placing a couple of plum lines (like ones I've seen at Windsor) as mentioned by Luke Steer on uktc the other day on the leaning tree thread.

 

 

Please excuse my anglo ignorance Guy (sic) but what is BMP ?

 

 

 

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[David Humphries]

dificult tree to retrench given the competition too, considering a halo here david?

 

youve see the guyed tree on the side of the road with chick in windsor park?

 

Hawthorn at base will be removed as will some of the surrounding holly.

 

Tree leans to south toward house, neighbours Pines are an issue lightwise, but offer the tree dampening against wind.

 

We reduced canopy (1-2m) overhanging the garden a couple of years ago, no notable epi has since emerged.

 

 

Have seen the Windsor Guyed tree, but didnt take a particularly close look, do you have any shots Tony ?

 

 

 

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[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Hawthorn at base will be removed as will some of the surrounding holly.

 

Tree leans to south toward house, neighbours Pines are an issue lightwise, but offer the tree dampening against wind.

 

We reduced canopy (1-2m) overhanging the garden a couple of years ago, no notable epi has since emerged.

 

 

Have seen the Windsor Guyed tree, but didnt take a particularly close look, do you have any shots Tony ?

 

 

 

.

 

they may be some of the missing, but will have a root about for them, I do have them somewhere or did.