David Humphries

Hi David,

I hope that you and your family are well.

I'm after some knowledge from your experience if I may?

Been out to visit a Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris today and for whatever reason has begun to shed some of its lower limbs. Some small and some around 200mm. It's central in a lawn so plenty of compaction going on, some mechanical damage to exposed roots (mower) and is partially exposed on a hill. There are 2 Beech either side that offers shelter from prevailing winds at approximately 10-12m distance. I've never come across a Pine that has shed so many limbs in quick succession (16 days = 6 limbs). No visual evidence of FFBs but that is not to say that none are present! The tree is 47 years old - owner planted (ex-Tree Officer) (TPO'd). I am inclinded to Impulse Hammer it on Friday - I am not comfortable with the tree (gut feeling) and the target is children, 2 homes and a blind resident!

Thanks in anticipation,

Marco