Steve Bullman

I was sent this email today via the Arbtalk 'contact us' form. I'm unfamiliar with this fungus, so am posting the question on behalf of those concerned. Hi, I am looking for info regarding a tree problem (including fungus) from someone who is an 'expert'. The problem concerns the felling of a tree (Red Oak opposite our house) and we are questioning the reasons for its demise. It was a beautiful tree without any obvious (to us and all neighbours) problems and the chopped-up wood and stump look virtually faultless - I have taken photos. We have been told by the tree surgeon who made the decision and carried out the felling that the presence of one small piece of Spindlshank (looked like a small mushroom) near the base of the tree, plus severe die-back (which we completely all dispute) meant that the root system would be in an advanced state of decay/damage making the tree dangerous. My questions relate to the assertion that; a) Once Spindleshank appears on the surface/ground near or on the tree, however small, alarm bells should ring as is it a clear sign that the root system has been extensively damaged already and the tree must be felled - no other options? b) Red Oaks live up to around 70 years, or so we were told. This tree was estimated to be around 70 years old and therefore at the end of its life. Is 70 years its true life span - seems very short. The tree didn't look old - perhaps mature but not old, gnarled and sick. c) If there had been extensive die-back ( which there was not!) would that not show in the wood, through the trunk and branches? The trunk was completely unblemished and the tree looked in great condition. We are absolutely devastated to have lost this amazing tree which was stunning, especially in the summer and autumn and which we and all locals have admired for years. The tree was felled without any prior reference to us and by the time we saw what was happening it was virtually down. We are very angry and upset by what we suspect was a completely ridiculous decision. Is it possible for you to comment on the info i have provided especially the fungus 'problem'. Whilst we know that this is 'after the horse has bolted' we want to ensure that decisions concerning such significant trees on our estate are made in future by people whio know what they are doing and for the right reasons! Regards

dont underestimate them

one of the better single collections of pics ive seen posted at any one time mate, stunning.....whats going on in pic 3? is that moss growing on the fungi?

could they actually be that stupid?

grp is what tipmaster use, its plenty strong....but like i said, if you're using grp you could have saved yourself the expense of the ali surely

depends on the ali. did you use planlink or ali sheets? ali sheets will dent in n time and look tatty as anything

if you're going to use grp, why do the sides with ali at all?

bum....id have gone if id known before hand!

whats LAMMA chris?

i dont see a problem with working from a ladder provided you are stropped on, and not cutting anything that you cant maneouvre to avoid clattering the ladder. i do all the time for small bits and pieces.

fletchers import weaver, so most of the arbtalk sponsors should be able to help

hes the hakki pilke dealer based in kent

hakki pilke 1x37 here bought from johnathon latham. had it for 6 years, processed a few hundred tonnes of wood with it...all ive had to do with it in that time is replace belts....no complaints here, a good entry level machine.

standard kit

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/business-software/12105-drift-innovation-x170-helmet-camera.html#post233555 the pov has an optional wide angle lens, do you have this one? havent had anything exciting enough to record as yet so dont really have too many tips on film taking...reg would be the man to ask.....all i can say is try and keep your head still and focused where you want it to record, but thats common sense really!

nice green oak by the ton, ouch

that proppa will take 400lbs, the armadillo 100lbs.....strong enough to stand on.

probably a cheapy then...never heard of that issue before. the armadillo is american made i believe

a roller? did he have an armadillo or a cheaper copy?

wouldnt catch me cutting anything within 100 yards of my truck:scared1:

yeah i did look at those some time ago, but ruled them out as access is awkward towards the front when they are liften up

i dont plan on putting anything in it other than saws etc so space isnt an issue.

not interested in top....definately want a roller top, im just interested to see if these compare to the armadillo and if i should pay the extra for an armadillo or not. doug, what pickup do you have? this is for a navara and apparently should clamp straight on

has anyone come across one of these? i was looking at an armadillo originally but there are about 40% cheaper. according to them, the only difference is the armadillo can take 1000lbs whereas this one only 400lbs which is ample. Tonneau Cover Roll and Lock Proppa Roller Shutter

i need it! first day back today and i could barely get my harness past my fat backside