split oak

[jose]

Got these pictures sent to me today of an oak which has started to split apart.

I have not seen it in the flesh yet myself but looking at the pictures what would you recommend?

 

The customer would like to keep the tree if possible but obviously needs it to be safe.

 

Would you go for a hard reduction or just say fell to ground to be safe?

 

Thoughts appreciated.

[ecotreecare]

Just fell it. Its going to have to come out at some point, rathe sooner than later. At least if you re-plant it willbe established quicker.

[sloth]

That's not 'eco' tree care!

Looks like a private garden, low or manageable risk is quite likely. I dent think bracing would work long term, it's too far gone. Crown reduction may allow reduced movement and arresting of the crack elongating, but its doubtful. Nice young tree with much vitality though, prime candidate for the initiation of a polard, added bonus of a future supply of firewood for the customer

[sloth]

and if replanting is on the menu why not do both?

[jose]

yes its a private garden, though if it fails there is a slim chance of hitting the garage.

Personally i was thinking fell but had not thought of pollard.

You say initiation of a pollard, would you reduce it in a couple of goes or go straight to a pole (would have thought a bit harsh for a oak)?

 

I will have a chat with the owner.

He will replant as he is actually quite a tree lover which is a good thing really.

Many thanks

[Dean O]

cost might not be a factor but cheaper to fell and replace than pollard and manage a duff'n

[ecotreecare]

cost might not be a factor but cheaper to fell and replace than pollard and manage a duff'n

 

 

My thoughts exactley!

[jose]

spoke to the chap, pushing for trying to keep the tree. kind of funny in a way as i told him i think it needs to come down as it will always be a risk. then he tried to get me to say to him that it would be ok to reduce it. if i would say it then he would go for a reduction.

Unfortunately we live in a world where sueing is a real risk and there is no way i can predict if it will fail or not years down the line after a reduction so its not worth the potential liability for me.

 

Going there monday so will let u know what we decide

cheers

[C.J]

It looks like the right hand fork is splitting away from the rest of the tree.

 

Could you pollard the right side at the fork and then shape the left side to rebalance the tree ?

[Goaty]

That's not 'eco' tree care!

Looks like a private garden, low or manageable risk is quite likely. I dent think bracing would work long term, it's too far gone. Crown reduction may allow reduced movement and arresting of the crack elongating, but its doubtful. Nice young tree with much vitality though, prime candidate for the initiation of a polard, added bonus of a future supply of firewood for the customer

 

 

It is the most ECOnomical in the long run.