18 stoner

Many thanks for that. This tree was said to be an establishment tree from when the first part of the building was built, probably around 1770. As a result of this, it has been a point of discussion for many years following the initial diagnosis of Phytophra(sp), some 8 or 9 years ago when it shed a very large limb. I have worked on it a couple of times since, attempting to reduce sail and weight from its massive canopy, in the hope of making it "safer" due to its location. This seems to have worked up until now, as it never dropped any further limbs. Due to the extent of the disease, the constant monitoring of it finally lead to the decision to make safe by this extensive reduction. The other alternative was to fell, and was suggested by the local TO's initially, but the client has already lost a very large amount of its nearby mature habitat due to age and many to flooding, so the decision was made to retain and hopefully promote it as a live monolyth or veteran. Only time will tell how successful this will be, but the client is well aware of the risks, both of losing the tree, and future maintenance. One thing that became very evident whilst removing the limbs, was the extent of the disease. At a guess, 80-90% of the scaffold limbs had lateral cracks in them, some still showing in the photos. May not be totally seen as a positive thing, but was reassuring to know we had made the right decision, in fact, it was amazing catastrophic failure had not occurred on any of them. Many of the staff are now aware, as you say it would be nice if a better understanding can be put forward in general, but in reality is often difficult. As for spiking, I dare say the same respect would have been given to a none protected tree, unless it was on the "spec" to do so with the intension of causing bursts.

Very well put Andy:thumbup1:

Ok, just to clarify, as Steve said the spiking was not done on the retained part of the tree. Actully spiking it could have caused regeneration IMO, but in this case the tree is a TPO, so the approval stated the tree was not to be spiked. On the "management" issue, why get so hung up about species criteria? It was the client who specifically wanted the tree retained. :lol: Will do Johnny, regardless of the outcome. Very true Paul, and these issues were discussed at length with client prior to works. They are more than happy for the long term management of the tree to be a reality. Their main priority is to try and keep the tree.

By your comment, I take it you are insinuating financial gain was the priority, however, if the tree reacts accordingly it will be many years before any further works are needed surely?

Must have been a pleasure to visit such a place David, some very nice specimens there. I would say if the hornbeams need a little pruning, you could always put my name forward for some sympathetic reductions:thumbup: .

As it happens, yes. But why should that be a problem?

Many thanks for your comments Jamie, I really need to remember some of your speil though, I somehow cant seem to come out with stuff like that, especially while being attacked by some handbag throwning blue rinse. I shall try though.

Jamie, what we actually experienced from the current residents was horror initially. Once a short conversation had taken place, all left with a feeling that we, and my client were of a caring nature and not purely tree slayers, also sound in the knowledge that a safe environment had been restored and the tree could continue supplying habitat and an element of asthetic value, all beit an aquired taste.

Yep, thats the spot. I actually did this one gratis, as they are long standing clients and I was willing to save the tree instead of it being felled. With all the "save the tree" type mentality put aside, there is something very satisfying about spiking up a big tree like this and crashing stuff down. Slightly off topic, but it does happen from time to time.

Yes, very true. It has become a major talking point with them already, and as a result the hotel has reported an increase in bookings combined with the enquiries about "saving the 240 year old chestnut"

Nice one Jamie, good to see someone looking behind what you see:thumbup:

I have actually known this tree for many year now, this is how it looked prior to works and shows more of its proximity, adjacent to the main entrance and offices of a busy hotel;

Yeh, I know, Jamie has a very good point about conversations with clients though. Very close there Jamie.

Matt, thanks for sharing that pic. Could we now class that tree as a veteran?

Matt, in what way better? Jamie, why would you think its been done as a guvvie? I see those stains too Johnny, looks pretty infested to me?

As title. If you saw this, what would your thoughts be?

Gold "coloured" might still work?

Get her flashed up then! Only one condition, you will need to take payment in clumps of Mistletoe!

Many thanks, for the further bits; That had crossed my mind, but not sure where to find the golden sickle:001_rolleyes: Thats a great link, I'll be looking further into that later tonight. Managing both is what we are after, and the possibility of making a few quid will be a bonus:thumbup: A pic at the moment will be difficult, but there is LOTS of it. Some trees are almost overwhelmed with it, some with only a dozen or so clumps per tree.

Ok, I think my opening post was perhaps mis-understood so here goes again; I would like to "harvest" mistletoe. The client likes it but wants it under control. There is a good chance this will be an annual pruning. I intend selling it. So, IS THERE A CORRECT WAY TO PRUNE IT? .

Cheers anyway.

So how would you "selectively" kill some of it without affecting the tree?

As title, I'd be interested in any info on pruning in particular. Should it be pruned back fully to a stump, thinned, or even trimmed? The client would like to retain an amount of the mistletoe, yet reduce weight loading on limbs, with the intension of allowing regrowth. So I'm thinking along the lines of pruning some clusters and leave others, perhaps for next year and prune in rotation if thats best?

Spud, if you ever need any stihl parts pdf files let me know, I have a few.

Thats why I wont be bothering tieing down bags in a trailer with sides on for some time yet! While the likes of coalmen, quarry owners, builders merchants etc etc dont bother, I wont be worrying. Although we live in one of the higher catchment areas for being pulled by VOSA, when the "official transport" guys start adhering, so will I.