Potential ANCIENT tree removal

[sloth]

.....

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Bizarre comment! What species?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only playing devils advocate here:

The 1 in 10,000,000 chance (given in the NTSG common sense guide?) is based on past accident figures. Figures which are from a long history of overcautious urban tree management. If everyone tries to retain veterans to the extreme, over time those figures are likely to change, are they not?

I'm not necessarily referring to this tree, or saying we shouldn't retain urban vets. I hope from my posts you know I'm all for retaining trees with character and ecological niches, and think you do a fine promoting this

 

Another point to consider, or challenge in retention is the ongoing cost to the tree owner wishing to retain iffy trees. Obviously there is the cost of practically 'managing down', reductions, possible road closures during works etc. Then there is the cost of periodic formal inspections, which would probably, as per NTSG guidance, be needed in cases like the beech above; where defects are known but deemed for reasons of amenity or ecology worth retaining with reasoned, appropriate management plans.

As an experienced arb contractor, capable and confident to do this, you (or any other like-minded tree surgeon) would need professional indemnity insurance. Its all good and well giving advice on Mrs Miggins prize Magnolia for free (as you might do it as quote to win work and recoup time/money), but these sort of retentions DO lead to increased exposure to liability; sometimes resulting in less tree surgery works for you. Therefore to cover costs of inspecting and protect yourself, you would need to charge accordingly to cover your time and insurance, further CPD etc...

 

I think urban vets and large or 'over mature' trees NEED to be retained wherever and whenever possible. And with honest advice, without looking at increasing your dwindling firewood stack or seeing an opportunity for charge for a big technical take-down (as too often happens, but that's another battle!) these trees can often be kept at minimal cost to the owner.

 

It is rare for a tree or branch to 'prematurely' fail (Like there is a mature time for it to fail?!). With wider knowledge and understanding more tree surgeons, who are really quite often the 'guardians of tree's, might be comfortable retaining ancient/veteran/over-mature/dying trees. Maybe even without losing out financial! We just need a shift in industry mentality, just!

 

Good post Sloth, you got a lead on more recent statistics?

 

as for me being a tree, A hamadryad is as close to one as it can posibly be, the very spirit of a tree:001_cool:

[sloth]

No leads I'm afraid, too early to tell? I'm sure revised statistics will be available from HSE at dome point.

[Ross Smith]

Day 2

Tough day again

This tree is hides a lot of big wood well

She is a beast

Managed to get 3rd largest bow off today and remove slot of smaller stuff.

2nd largest bow tomorrow.

Gonna attempt client again to leave main trunk at 10ft plus for numerous reasons

 

 

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[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

she is a big girl! no decay in any limbs so far

[Ross Smith]

Some discolouration but nothing major

Found a hole at the base that my arm comfortably went and had a gd feel around

Fridays Xmas ale is gonna go down very well

This tree is monstrous, hence the 300 yrs plus

 

 

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[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Some discolouration but nothing major

Found a hole at the base that my arm comfortably went and had a gd feel around

Fridays Xmas ale is gonna go down very well

This tree is monstrous, hence the 300 yrs plus

 

 

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agreed, maybe older. and in absolute rude health too

[Ross Smith]

What does rude health mean ???

 

 

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[RobRainford]

Been watching this thread with some interest. That is an awesome tree and a shame to bring her down but as mentioned its tricky to unspook a client sometimes. Plus if a TO is sketchy about a trees stability then it makes it a difficult battle.

 

It's not just a tree, it's trees on trees in there.

[Rich Rule]

Been watching this thread with some interest. That is an awesome tree and a shame to bring her down but as mentioned its tricky to unspook a client sometimes. Plus if a TO is sketchy about a trees stability then it makes it a difficult battle.

 

It's not just a tree, it's trees on trees in there.

 

No, it is just a tree. Albeit a big one.

 

Good work Ross, shame to see it go but safe and healthy is of paramount importance