Large Sycamore Tree with included bark - what are my options

[castlemonkey]

I was after some advice regarding a large mature sycamore tree that I have in my back garden. I have had it inspected by a tree surgeon and he pointed out to me a defect in the trunk of the tree which increases the risk of the tree failing in the future and suggested it was best to remove and replant due to the potential risk it posed to both my garden and my neighbours garden and property. I am reluctant to remove the tree as it is a feature of the garden and ideally I would like to retain the tree if it is safe to do so.

 

From what my tree surgeon said and from the research I have done through the internet, the sycamore is made up of two codominant stems with a tight V shaped union with signs of included bark between them but there appears to be no signs of cracking or decay at or around the join. The main trunk is near vertical some 45cm diameter and the other some 35cm diameter has grown at a slight lean to the southern light. The trunk at the base is some 65cm diameter with the union starting some 50cm off the ground. The included bark sections below the union are some 20-25cm long and 3cm wide on one side of the tree and 8cm on the other. The sycamore tree is at least some 15m high and has a crown diameter of a similar amount (15-18m). The tree is otherwise healthy, has a good shape, is in leaf, with little deadwood. No previous pruning has occurred to the tree it has been allowed to grow naturally.

 

The tree overhangs my two neighbours’ gardens/properties, and so as the landowner I understand I have some responsibility in ensuring that I reduce the risk that the tree poses. One neighbour’s house is some 20m from the tree, with the branches extending into their garden some 6m; the other neighbour is closer with their garage some 9m from the base of the tree although there is a drop in land levels of some 2m in-between. The crown of the tree extends to be roughly level with the edge of their garage.

 

I have attached photos of the tree showing its location, the 2 main trunks, and the included bark union from both sides.

 

I was wondering what was best to do with this sycamore tree.

 

From the photos is the diagnosis of included bark correct?

Is the tree safe / worth saving given its location, size, and defect?

If the tree is safe to retain what is my minimum requirements that I need to take to remove/limit my liability as landowner?

What are my best options with regards to pruning to limit the strain on the trunks?

Would it benefit / is it worth cabling or bracing the tree and if so what sort of cost is involved?

Given its current size and that it is some 50 years old already; how much bigger is this sycamore likely to grow?

 

I would welcome any advice that anyone can give.

 

Many Thanks.

[Paul Barton]

What's the point of him asking the questions and providing detailed photos on a homeowners advice forum if he's only going to get the response "pay for a consultant" I think that's exactly what he's trying to avoid.

It's not that complex really is it? Overgrown sycamore in corner of garden.

 

The homeowners advice forum can address certain issues for homeowners but can't come up with all the answers remotely.

 

If someone posts a piccy of a fungal bracket, we can tell them what it is. But more site-specific issues such as tree safety and whether or not to remove or prune can't really be properly assessed on a forum....just like you wouldn't want a building surveyor giving advice about cracks in your wall over the phone.

 

It's easy to say fell it...but the OP wants to retain it so therefore needs some on-site advice really.

[Le Sanglier]

The homeowners advice forum can address certain issues for homeowners but can't come up with all the answers remotely.

 

If someone posts a piccy of a fungal bracket, we can tell them what it is. But more site-specific issues such as tree safety and whether or not to remove or prune can't really be properly assessed on a forum....just like you wouldn't want a building surveyor giving advice about cracks in your wall over the phone.

 

It's easy to say fell it...but the OP wants to retain it so therefore needs some on-site advice really.

 

But it's not over the phone is it? He posted pictures,gave all possible information and asked pertinent questions. and I'll be honest, I resent someone coming on and describing mine and other people's advice as "well meaning" what a bleeding liberty!:001_smile:

if the tree was an obvious danger well yeah, but there were no real targets.

oh btw I said retention should be possible, not fell it.

finally when a homeowner provides pics of fungus they'll always get more than an ID won't they?

[daltontrees]

and I'll be honest, I resent someone coming on and describing mine and other people's advice as "well meaning" what a bleeding liberty!

QUOTE]

 

That someone will be me then... and it was meant to be a compliment to the efforts that people put in on this forum to help people for no reward or thanks.

[Paul Barton]

But it's not over the phone is it? He posted pictures,gave all possible information and asked pertinent questions. and I'll be honest, I resent someone coming on and describing mine and other people's advice as "well meaning" what a bleeding liberty!:001_smile:

if the tree was an obvious danger well yeah, but there were no real targets.

oh btw I said retention should be possible, not fell it.

finally when a homeowner provides pics of fungus they'll always get more than an ID won't they?

 

Fair enough, sorry if I misunderstood your post. I stand by my last comment though - the forum can be really useful to homeowners wanting some advice but on some occasions it can't replace on-site advice.

[Le Sanglier]

Fair enough, sorry if I misunderstood your post. I stand by my last comment though - the forum can be really useful to homeowners wanting some advice but on some occasions it can't replace on-site advice.

 

Yeah sure, no biggy:001_smile: (and to Jules) Have a good day!

[Jake Andrews]

I'd still like too know why dappled light is a 'hooey'. Also like to know what it means?The tree owner would like to keep the tree but too not reduce it as he knows the disadvantage too this (epi growth). There is a union issue so to me that would seem to be an easy decision. Agreed that a consultant is the best way to go and we only have limited information to go by but that's what the home owners advice is for. All advise is valuable as long as it's justified. Ultimately it's the owners choice.

 

Jake:thumbup1:

[Le Sanglier]

I'd still like too know why dappled light is a 'hooey'. Also like to know what it means?The tree owner would like to keep the tree but too not reduce it as he knows the disadvantage too this (epi growth). There is a union issue so to me that would seem to be an easy decision. Agreed that a consultant is the best way to go and we only have limited information to go by but that's what the home owners advice is for. All advise is valuable as long as it's justified. Ultimately it's the owners choice.

 

Jake:thumbup1:

Hey Jake

I don't think he said he did not want to reduce it, just that he had been advised against it. (Wrongly IMO)

It's my opinion that thinning as anything more than a temporary

cosmetic fix is a waste of time. Sycamores as in this case will be back to full density in a very short period leaving the client feeling cheated and unhappy.

ps. I like the line about "Inviting dappled natural shade etc" it speaks to me of elves cavorting as baby deer run startled from the approaching maidens etc.

Anyway that's enough nonsense from me, got to look at a job.

Mick:001_smile:

[Jake Andrews]

Glad you liked and if you don't mind I will use your imaginative humour for my next selling technique:001_tt2:happy quoting.

 

Jake:thumbup1: