Ash tree problem

[sloth]

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

 

Good sensible option here. Especially if you're a little short on space for a large tree long term, this will keep it safe almost indefinitely, small(er), easily managed, and probably increase its ecological value too...

[jules]

Reduce a touch more and brace the 2 stems or pollard like Mick said, both will retain the tree for you and the wildlife.

[Mick Dempsey]

I've always been a bit of a sceptic about this but sun scald is a possibility.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Didn't get a snap "before" felling, but here are some of the "after" pictures from a job today.

 

Thought it might be useful to compare the external signs (considerably worse in the tree from today than the one shown in the thread pics) and show the internal decay effect. It's not so often that we get to see an "after" pic as far as I can see.

 

Hope it helps in your decision making process.

[Paul Cleaver]

looks like bacterial canker to me - I would not fell this tree - its young and I cant see it being a problem at the moment - light crown reduction

[MikesMovies]

Good evening all.

 

Just to update this post.

The tree was trimmed to take the load off back around the date of my original post.

To my eye the splits are worse.

So we are still faced with what to do for the best.

We want to keep the tree but are concerned for safety.

I would estimate that it will be ok for another year with no more than a 20mm gap apparent so far.

 

Let me know what you think?

[Jamespepperpot]

Is it worth all that work when it's probably going to get Chalara soon and die anyway? I live in Sussex and have seen quite a few trees with it now. I'd fell it and replant with something decent from English woodlands

[MikesMovies]

Is it worth all that work when it's probably going to get Chalara soon and die anyway? I live in Sussex and have seen quite a few trees with it now. I'd fell it and replant with something decent from English woodlands

 

Hmm, I get what you are saying and yes its costly but it will make a terrible hole there and we have lots of nest boxes in it.

What other type of tree would you suggest?

[Jamespepperpot]

It's hard to say really, from what I've read on this thread about its location perhaps something slow growing so it doesn't get too big too quickly. Perhaps something that has fruit in the autumn which would be good for the birds? Perhaps a Rowan ash?

[daltontrees]

Is it worth all that work when it's probably going to get Chalara soon and die anyway? I live in Sussex and have seen quite a few trees with it now. I'd fell it and replant with something decent from English woodlands

 

What a miserable miserable pessimistic attitude...