Massaria on the March

[David Humphries]

We dismantled it today.

tbh, maybe too early to worry about & had we carried out the resistograph in the tree, it may have stayed.

But the path is a major foot flow & we lost a sizable similar branch last year.

 

 

a closer look at the section with the Auricularia & accompanying resistograph

 

 

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[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Flip David, that's quite worrying.

 

Nev Fay recently provided some similar images ofr the AA P&D book, including a shot of the top of the branch and then the sectional view showing the extent of decay.

 

The thing that immediately struck me was 'anchor point' selection for the unaware and the need to thoroughly load test at ground level, nay branches upto 150mm dia (is what I suggested), to ensure it was safe to use.

 

The GGCP (Guide to Good Climbing Practice) on review maybe needs to mention this specifically as it could have serious implications.

 

Thanks for the info, very useful as always:thumbup:

 

Paul

[silky fox]

Light wasn't great David...tree has very large black FB's all over it up the trunk and highup on each leader...it has a network of old cable bracing throughout the crown...as well as a large cavity roadside....its BIG....Will send more when the light is better...its worth a look if you're this way....

[Ollie Wall]

Are you finding this as a london only problem or have there been reports of it futher afield?

Cheers ollie

[David Humphries]

Are you finding this as a london only problem or have there been reports of it futher afield?

Cheers ollie

 

Hello Ollie,

 

I've read that the Forestry Commission have reported Massaria in various uk locations including Jersey and Darlington although the Capital appears to be bearing the brunt of high disease infection in part due to climate and sheer number of London Planes in its parks and streets.

 

 

 

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[David Humphries]

Light wasn't great David...tree has very large black FB's all over it up the trunk and highup on each leader...it has a network of old cable bracing throughout the crown...as well as a large cavity roadside....its BIG....Will send more when the light is better...its worth a look if you're this way....

 

Hello Paul,

 

have to say that I'm surprised to see that the tree is still there, particularly due to large numbers of Inonotus hispidus throughout its canopy and its location on what I would is a very busy road.

 

Thanks for updating with the Images

 

 

 

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[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

This is going to be a massive issue, lets hope we can get and keep on top of it all before knees jerk, doesnt bode well for Londons massive plane population.

 

good work David, was down on Highbury fields today doing a bit for luke on this very issue

thought about giving you a tinkle see if you fancied popping in to see what we was upto but im sure your upto speed on it.

[Ollie Wall]

Thanks for tge reply david, is the info on the fc website for all to read? Im allways climbing planes in the south so i'll keep an eye out

[David Humphries]

Thanks for tge reply david, is the info on the fc website for all to read? Im allways climbing planes in the south so i'll keep an eye out

 

Forest Research - Massaria disease

 

 

London Tree Officers Association Massaria Working Party are bringing out management guidance in the next couple of weeks.

 

Keep an eye out for it as it will be the most up to date information available.

 

 

 

 

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[Ollie Wall]

Thanks mate :thumbup: