good fork / bad fork - second opinion please

[arbmark]

I found this fork on Common Beech and went up to have a closer look as there was staining coming down the truck. (first pic - lowest union left hand side)

Couldn't detect any decay with the probe and the bark seemed intact down in the compost pool but what do you reckon about the adaptive growth (pic 2) and flattening of the branch people (last pic)? It is twice as wide as it is deep. Are those bark healings signs of cracks underneath? Far rib looks good but nothing much on near side, prob due to lack of wind loading as partly protected by another smaller tree. Pool is approx 250mm deep.

I should have got some more photos from other angles but any advice welcome.

Cheers

Mark.

[treeseer]

"...Couldn't detect any decay with the probe and the bark seemed intact down in the compost pool but what do you reckon about the adaptive growth (pic 2)"

 

Looks pretty strong. "Staining" might just be water with tannins etc., and not a sign of microbial activity.

 

" and flattening of the branch people (last pic)?"

 

Tissue is apparently being added where it's needed.

 

"Are those bark healings signs of cracks underneath?

 

No evidence seen to support that theory.

 

"any advice welcome.

 

Somebody reduce that sprawling branch before it breaks! Cabling would conserve benefits, as less pruning would be needed.

 

Was a nearby tree recently removed? Looks like it grew away from something.

[arbmark]

thanks treeseer. Quite a weighty extended limb over a quiet country lane. Low risk, obviously we dont want it to fail. It is part of a hedge line, and it is growing out to find light under competition from the beech next to it. ta for the input.

[treeseer]

thanks treeseer. Quite a weighty extended limb over a quiet country lane. Low risk, obviously we dont want it to fail. It is part of a hedge line, and it is growing out to find light under competition from the beech next to it. ta for the input.

 

It's a very high risk, if the value of the tree is considered. That's the trouble with 'target ratings', blind to tree value. Through-cabling with Rigguy, Inc >> Solving Your Challenges Through Innovative Solutions cheap and easy and minimal wounding.