Kretzschmaria beech removal - how to organise???

[Andrew Barrett]

Hi all. I'm looking for some advice/ comments on the best way of dealing with this tree removal. I've attached photos of the tree that I hope will be useful.

 

I recently spotted a medium-sized copper beech infected by Kretzschmaria deusta very close to and overhanging one of the busiest road junctions in a local town. The junction where the main stem splits into two also looks a poor shape to me with a line of possibly included bark.

 

I have brought the tree to the attention of the council tree officers and they are of the opinion that the tree should be felled as soon as possible. They've said when Kretzschmaria infects the stem rather than the roots and where it is present on opposite sides of the trunk the tree is usually in a bad way.

 

So, I'm keen to quote for the work, but I'm having some issues with the job method and thus pricing. Because it is such a busy 5-way junction managed by fixed traffic lights the tree officer has suggested we do it on a Sunday which is fine. But he also suggested we should be very careful shock loading the tree (i.e. with normal rigging operations) and said that a crane would be a good idea.

 

If you were undertaking this work would you assume that the tree could fail at any point during the removal operation? I.e. would one need to consider that the tree could fail whilst the crane was attached to it - possibly pulling the whole crane over into the junction? Are there tests one could do (e.g. taking core samples) that would inform such a decision better?

 

I have contacted a traffic light company and they have told me that the local Highways Agency would not countenance completely closing that junction - even for short periods - and suggested coning off the road lane nearest the tree. That would be fine if the tree was not considered at risk of failure (i.e. normal dismantling) as the branches only overhang one lane. But if the tree did fail at the base it would reach right across both lanes of the road nearest and possibly right into the middle of the junction if it went in the wrong direction. The tree is weighted towards the road.

 

What do you think?

[sean]

one of the busiest junctions? It looks empty:001_smile:

[codlasher]

Personally I would have no issue with any shock loading unless you took off too much in one go. I would focus on cautious dismantling.

Don't take too much off too soon, but you can't do this anyway owing to its position! Removal of the branches by climber then the crane in to take bigger sections of trunk.

The crane could be used as a shield and this will enable you to have an area in front of it to work in. Plenty of those orange plastic barriers to make the enclosure and a safe working area. Pedestrian care is also paramount and your local council can advise on this, you can divert the footpath without too much fuss.

Trafic management is not fun but with the correct signs and two people to concentrate solely on this side you will have a good run. STOP GO lollypops may well be a handy string to your bow but difficult with not being able to over ride the existing traffic system. Plus you would need a 12D operative to be on site.

I think keeping to your section of road and a very early start you will get on ok. Perhaps a relief climber to assist, do two hours and have a break? Just don't run on adrenaline for too long! I had four plus myself on traffic and we were ok on this sized tree. I had one advantage in that I was not in town but did get some serious abuse on the odd occasion!

Good luck!

codlasher.

 

PS. Sun traffic are near to you at Somerton. They will give you good advice. c

Edited May 21, 2013 by codlasher

[Matthew Corran]

I would be careful, the decay looks fairly advanced, the tree looks like it is grafted and the decay, the graft and the included bark all meet at the same point. I'm not sure what effect the Kretz would have on the graft, you could try sounding with a nylon hammer to try to determine the extent of the decay. How much room is there in the carpark behind? Could you put some 1 inch thick steel plates down on the Tarmac and winch the tree backwards?

[Old Mill Tree Care]

I wouldn't be basing my working practices on internet gathered advice. It's a complex job, if you don't know how to do it sub it out or get a very accomplished contract climber in.

Is Adam Bourne in your area?

[rupert w]

MEWP perhaps?

[riogomez89]

Hi first post so bear with..Picus test come in handy and nosey neighbours asking why tree is comming down show them reading saves arguements and time trying to explain plus you will find out how far gone it is.... Just a thought

[Matthew Corran]

I don't think picus is effective at determining the extent of soft rot, but could be wrong

[Beezy]

Impossible to say without seeing tree, here's a few of my thoughts

 

Is the bottom photo the client/tree owners driveway?

 

If so, Looks a big space potentially could be position for a crane with outriggers and work processing area. Contact an approved crane company for a site meeting, contract lift (meaning they provide their own banks man to communicate with crane operator and their own RA) they will advise on size of crane required.

 

If not, then as said, cautious rigging perhaps? Impossible to say without seeing tree.

 

Traffic management, employ a TM company and get them to do everything. Maybe.. bag and shutdown all existing lights, temp 5 way light control, with pedestrian barrier management into carriageway around tree crown. Enough switched on ground crew to cope and direct pedestrians.

 

Competent climber to get it all on floor in one day.

 

Looks a tasty job mate

[john p]

It sounds like your in my neck of the woods, I would be quite happy to dismantle that , can bring my lorry with hi ab, rattle it out in a day easy peasy, pm me if I can be of assistance

 

 

Sent using Arbtalk Mobile App