Veteranising Horse Chestnut?

[18 stoner]

As title, is it worth it?

 

I'd be interested on your thoughts on this.

 

A regular customer of mine has a chestnut in decline, its shown evidence of bleeding canker for at least 7 or 8 years now. Its in the grounds of an old property, a very prominant tree and is TPO'd. Its in excess of 220 years old, approx 2-2.4m DBH @ 1.5m, 22m high with a huge spread. Its in a publically accessible area(used regularly) and is partially over the buliding.

 

We have done works in the past on this tree, but due to its continuing decline there are now safety fears.

 

We have had extensive talks with TOs and I doubt there will be any trouble granting what ever application we put in. The client is of the opinion we should try and retain the tree, if its worth while.

 

Given the characteristics of HC, and that of the canker, is it a viable option to make safe by heavy reduction and attempt veteranising?

 

I know there was quite a bit of retrenchment works carried out years back on HC, but how are they now?

[18 stoner]

Well, due to the overwhelming response on this I guess we can assume the silence speaks volumes.

 

Tomorrow I shall advise the client felling is best all round and fill the app in the same line.

[swinny]

Supprised no one has commented on this... where's hamma?

 

I thought that some tree's could get over this? affecting youngest trees worse/killing faster.

 

Wouldn't it be worth a shot heavy reduction? esp if the customer wants to retain.

[RobRainford]

Hadn't seen this. I think something like a reduction with fracture pruning should make it appear veteranised. But HC isn't as resilient as oak so wouldn't last as long.

 

Reductions and methods for retention are in the clients wishes, but they will have to think about cost too. Why reduce it when it will have to be felled anyway?