Redwood and customers !

[Wolfie]

Has that been topped before - looks a thick trunk to taper so quickly.

 

Looks a perfect candidate for a TPO, have a friendly chat with the TO. It's there job to protect nice trees, especially when in imminent risk.

[Andyd1606]

Think it's lost some due to a lightning strike some years ago

[MattyF]

Has that been topped before - looks a thick trunk to taper so

 

 

Exactly! It's no virgin tree!! get on and work on it! It would probably benefit it in the long run especially some of that heavy side growth that has formed to loosing already it's leader.

[Andyd1606]

Ok I'll stop winging then 😳 just felt like I'm cutting it for the sake of cutting. I know i do this every week carrying out reductions because the customer doesn't like the leaves wants more light etc. this one felt different though. It does need some remedial work which I'm happy to carry out thinning reducing over extended limbs it's more the height reduction I felt was pointless and wouldn't achieve anything.

[benedmonds]

Job done... But DON't tell the TO..

[Andyd1606]

Job done... But DON't tell the TO..

 

 

Nice work if only it was that easy.

[felixthelogchopper]

Stop stressing about it and concentrate on more important things. Cheers for the Ciders, btw!

[bolthole]

I guess this post is more of a rant than advice but here goes. I went and looked at a beautiful redwood tree in my local village. It's a landmark and is seen as your coming up to the green from most directions.

The tree is believed to have been one of the first planted in the UK although not the tallest. It was planted by an army major who lived at the house in the 1850s and was measured 5 years ago at 101ft and he a girth of 7.75m.

The customer has asked me to have a look and gave the usual it has grown so big in the last year!! What's wrong with these people did they not notice the size of the tree when they bought the house it's been the same size give or take a bit since I've lived in the village the last few years.

I was asked my opinion on what should be done with the tree and I have advised removing the deadwood thinning in places to help windflow and tidying up several low branches that over hang the roof which their chimney sweep hacked away!

 

I've had a chat with my local tree officer about my proposals as its inside a conservation area and then spoke with the customers.

The customer has now decided that they want 10ft off the top and more branches shortened which in my opinion is pointless and will ruin the tree. I've told them this and that we would not be allowed anyway due to the conservation area.

I'm not willing to carry out this as I'm fed up with customers asking me to carry out substandard work to their trees. I have walked away from more customers this last year who have asked similar things only to drive past and see butchered trees 2 months later.

What concerns me is that this will happen to this redwood and it will be ruined by someone.

I'd love to carry out my original proposals to the tree as it would be a pleasure to work on and a great climb it just annoys me that customers don't listen to best advice they wouldn't do this to an electrician or plumber.

Sorry rant over now

 

Seem to remember that I was told that Redwoods 'never blow down, but the tops snap out'.

 

I guess, if this is true, 'topping' it may, in this case, actually be an appropriate way to address the customers concerns.

 

Can anyone else comment on this (alleged) natural failure mode?

[Mark Bolam]

Certainly in the UK we haven't had the chance to find out yet.

I reckon if they avoid honey fungus and such we'll know in about 1800 years.

[Andyd1606]

Stop stressing about it and concentrate on more important things. Cheers for the Ciders, btw!

 

 

No worries thanks for your help the last few days mate. I know I've got more important things I think I wrote this about 6am this morning after listening to voicemails from the last few days from customers. Lack of sleep and customers who won't listen got to me

I'm now off to bed to be woken up every hour by the baby 😃