stevelucocq

Hi paul, Not sure on the soil type but airing on the side of caution. Even if the soil was not clay could there be some side effects of removing such a large tree so close to a building? The building was built some time ago but not so sure about the extension. I have attached a few pictures. Thanks Steve

Hi, I have been to look at a large tulip tree that is 1200mm in diameter and a distance of 1500mm from a small single story extension. The tree is in good health with no evident visible weaknesses. One half of the crown over hangs the entire property and the tree is of high amenity value. There are signs of ground movement on the concrete path around the extension and small cracks in the surrounding boundary walls. No cracks in the walls of the extension were noted. I am looking into ways of retaining the tree and dealing with the on going problems with future root growth etc. Also I am wary of the potential problems of removing the tree and any resultant soil heave within clay soils. So far I have considered air spading to expose the roots growing under the foundations and then pruning any roots causing noticeable problems with the foundations? Sorry no photos at the moment. Any ideas of a possible solution would be appreciated:thumbup1:. Thanks Steve

who gave planning permission for this?? not good!

thanks, with the use of the scope for IDing these two what are you looking for? size of pores? steve

one other picture

Thought this was interesting, any comments welcome. thanks

Spotted this today...

Hi, spotted this today and thought it was fantastic. I was lucky that I had my little camera with me. If the photo is not clear there is a large block of rock weighing around 200-250 kilos on top of the main branch. The other side of the block looked like it was a part of the tree as the tree and the rock were both covered in moss and the tree had partly encapsulated the edges of the block. Luckily find as it was off the main path and just spotted it.

Hi Tony, Sorry been slack on the forum side of things. Been dropping in and reading the really good threads, nice one! I am booked in to do the PTI near Bedford with the AA on 21st June-23rd. I will be camping so should work out fairly cheap. Interested? Cheers Steve

Hi, I am looking for a few people in the South Wales area that rock climb and would be interested in getting out rock climbing midweek when the sun shines! I have been rock climbing on and off for 8 years and do mostly traditional climbing. I am happy to lead low to mid grade routes and second harder. I have climbed all over the UK and the French Alps, Spain… and competent with ropes etc. I would be interested in visiting crags in the Wye Valley, Gower, Pembroke. If you’re interested in getting out climbing then drop us a line. Cheers Steve [email protected]

also if interested I have just spotted this video on the RSPB web site: Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction on Vimeo thanks steve

Hi, To be honest I was lucky, right place right time. About 5 years ago on an IRATA course another person training was a research scientist from the RSPB. It all started from then. If interested volunteering arboricultural skills for local conservation organisation (Wildlife Trust, RSPB, National Trust, National Parks etc) would be a good starting point. I regularly help out such organisations by doing arboriculture work and also getting involved with putting up bat boxes, tagging red kites chicks etc and really enjoy it. Also it may be worth drawing up a CV and sending it off explaining you would like to volunteer and your availability etc. If people are serious about working overseas and doing something worthwhile then visit Welcome - VSO UK. I would strongly recommend doing this. The people in Nepal are fantastic and the place is unreal. Goodluck!

Hi, thanks for all the replies. The trip was a blur of chai tea, daal baat and tree climbing. Slowly adjusting back into PG tips and bacon sandwiches! Steve

Hi, I thought people would be interested in the work I have just return from. I have been lucky enough to carry out various tree climbing/IRATA work for the RSPB over the past few years and my latest trip was one of the most challenging and rewarding. Three species of Asian vultures are under threat of extinction. The problem occurs when vultures feed on carcasses of livestock treated with the veterinary drug diclofenac. Their numbers have dropped by 99.9% over the last few decades and things are now very critical for the future of these species. I was involved with a team to gain access to vultures nests situated high within trees throughout Nepal. This allowed satellite tags to be fitted to vulture chicks and to collect chicks for the captive breeding program. The climbing systems we used were mainly the use of the bigshot catapult to fire a high line into the trees. SRT techniques were used and then a change over to double rope techniques to get to the nests. The main trees we were climbing were the Indian silk cotton trees (Bombax ceiba - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) and sal trees (Shorea robusta - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). In total we climbed around 50 trees ranging from 10-35 metres over a 10-day period. Some long interesting journeys were needed to different colonies of birds. The plan changed on an hour-by-hour bases which proved exciting with a number of problems having to be overcome. Everyone in the team gave 100% and all targets were achieved on the last day of climbing. If your are interested to read more about this work please visit: The RSPB: Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction, Home or my blog Nepal 2009 - Asian Vulture Conservation Project working with the RSPB. Thanks Steve

hi, if you need any past papers etc drop us a line....all the best! steve

no weak unions or major cavities......the tree is in pretty good health but last year dropped a 150mm diameter branch from lever arm failure onto the bunkhouse

Hi, Any management recommendations for the future of this oak tree would be appreciated. A prolific ArbTalker has already given me some good management recommendations (Thanks!) but was interested in what other people think. The tree is highly visible from a visitors centre with two bunkhouses underneath the tree. The organisation responsible for the bunkhouses is looking into changing the use for public rental. They are concerned about public safety and require a supporting report with management recommendations for a change of use application with the Local Planning Authority. I am not looking into others to do my work for me but trying to produce the best recommendations for the tree whilst maintaining a sensible level of public safety. Please find attached photographs of the tree. Thanks in advance for any recommendations. Steve

sorry to jump in...just noticed this thread...I would be keen to come along...just to confirm...where and when? thanks steve

I am always looking for any further training courses...I did speak to Paul about this course but decided to pass on it but it sounds like it was very worth while...if available I would be interested in attending a similar course...also are there any interesting tree related courses/talks happening next year?

yeap!

Hi, today I popped around my old stomping ground….visited a few trees that I know have dryadeus so thought they would make an interesting post

Thanks! Its in the grounds of Sketty Hall in Swansea A Place in Local History | Sketty Hall and backs onto singleton park (try the birds eye view in bing...vgood): Bing Maps no plaque but will look into it

Resinaceum on a large turkey oak...

Resinaceum on a few native oaks...