Ash tree problem

[MikesMovies]

Dear sirs

 

Please could you give me your expert opinions on the attached photos of our ash tree.

 

The splits you see started to develop (or were noticed) in January 2015 and have now become quite noticeable.

They are about 20mm deep in places and have many woodlice inside.

 

I am concerned that the limb may split from the other causing damage.

 

Its been suggested that this is canker but I'd like some expert advice please.

 

Kind regards

 

Mike

 

Sussex UK

[Ian C]

I would say Ash canker or drought stress (probably wrong) someone will be along to correct me but along with the cracking it also has a tight Co dom stem, a small garden is no place for an Ash with those sort of faults especially when it's so young, get rid before it fails.

[Stubby]

If the other leader is ok take out the cracked one and see how it goes .

[arboriculturist]

The growth characteristics / form looks unusual - has this tree been reduced in height previously?

 

The fork does not particularly hazzardous, however difficult to see unless you post another image at right angles to the fork:001_smile:

[MikesMovies]

Many thanks for the replies.

 

Yes the tree was reduced in height a few years back and was trimmed up at the start of this year.

I do appreciate it is not really suited to a domestic environment but it was here when I came here and has just grown and grown.

It's highly prized by the wildlife and well liked.

 

But if there is a risk of falling then for safety I need to get action taken.

 

Please find attached the extra photos requested.

[Kveldssanger]

It looks too uniform in distribution to be a canker. My first thought was thermal cracking.

 

If it has been pruned before, did the previous climber use spikes? Would that have lead to the potential freeze-thaw cracking that has lead to this uniform distribution of cracks throughout the stem? Just brainstorming aloud.

 

Potential vascular dysfunction, otherwise?

[Kveldssanger]

As for the fork:

 

Some included bark (looks like some bulging there), though it seems as if the the wood fibres at the junction are growing in an upside-down 'v' shape. Is this correct?

[MikesMovies]

As for the fork:

 

Some included bark (looks like some bulging there), though it seems as if the the wood fibres at the junction are growing in an upside-down 'v' shape. Is this correct?

 

Hi, ladders were used no spikes.

 

From my very uneducated view point there seems to be 90% or more timber intact so it should not be in danger of imminent collapse should it?

Just trying to work out how urgent it is.

Got a tree surgeon coming on the 30th where finaly options will be discussed.

 

I'd like to keep it but not if there is fair risk of falls.

 

Many thanks

[Mick Dempsey]

I see no reason why you cannot retain the tree as a pollard.

[MikesMovies]

Here are some close ups of the fork.

 

Thanks