sloth

you don't need to predict years ahead, only what a court would see as reasonable. Consider pollarding maybe a foot or two above the split. If you did would you then be able to pull the stem in two by hand? It would require very large forces. By the time 5 years growth has leverage from the wind on it, the split would be made stronger with reaction wood. With regular pollarding the split may hardly be evident in years to come, as it becomes occluded and the stem increases its girth. Food for thought...

and if replanting is on the menu why not do both?

That's not 'eco' tree care! Looks like a private garden, low or manageable risk is quite likely. I dent think bracing would work long term, it's too far gone. Crown reduction may allow reduced movement and arresting of the crack elongating, but its doubtful. Nice young tree with much vitality though, prime candidate for the initiation of a polard, added bonus of a future supply of firewood for the customer

I've seen merip on our native oaks, simply having it present is NO good reason to fell on its own. But further info could mean a fell is justified...

No leads I'm afraid, too early to tell? I'm sure revised statistics will be available from HSE at dome point.

.....

Bizarre comment! What species? Only playing devils advocate here: The 1 in 10,000,000 chance (given in the NTSG common sense guide?) is based on past accident figures. Figures which are from a long history of overcautious urban tree management. If everyone tries to retain veterans to the extreme, over time those figures are likely to change, are they not? I'm not necessarily referring to this tree, or saying we shouldn't retain urban vets. I hope from my posts you know I'm all for retaining trees with character and ecological niches, and think you do a fine promoting this Another point to consider, or challenge in retention is the ongoing cost to the tree owner wishing to retain iffy trees. Obviously there is the cost of practically 'managing down', reductions, possible road closures during works etc. Then there is the cost of periodic formal inspections, which would probably, as per NTSG guidance, be needed in cases like the beech above; where defects are known but deemed for reasons of amenity or ecology worth retaining with reasoned, appropriate management plans. As an experienced arb contractor, capable and confident to do this, you (or any other like-minded tree surgeon) would need professional indemnity insurance. Its all good and well giving advice on Mrs Miggins prize Magnolia for free (as you might do it as quote to win work and recoup time/money), but these sort of retentions DO lead to increased exposure to liability; sometimes resulting in less tree surgery works for you. Therefore to cover costs of inspecting and protect yourself, you would need to charge accordingly to cover your time and insurance, further CPD etc... I think urban vets and large or 'over mature' trees NEED to be retained wherever and whenever possible. And with honest advice, without looking at increasing your dwindling firewood stack or seeing an opportunity for charge for a big technical take-down (as too often happens, but that's another battle!) these trees can often be kept at minimal cost to the owner. It is rare for a tree or branch to 'prematurely' fail (Like there is a mature time for it to fail?!). With wider knowledge and understanding more tree surgeons, who are really quite often the 'guardians of tree's, might be comfortable retaining ancient/veteran/over-mature/dying trees. Maybe even without losing out financial! We just need a shift in industry mentality, just!

I thought they held true. I am aware of tr being challenged, but the axiom? who/when challenged that?

you would in Essex. Seems reasonable. As has been mentioned before however, I don't think this is the form for wage discussions

which bits might be these be?

It wasn't long before the Pied-Hamadryad summoned the assistance of his Frenzied Fungal Forest Fighters. The Harvesters of Hells Hills didn't stand a chance. Or so they thought, until...

Upon their arrival the woodsman and his family had gathered the cute furry animals of the forest to help battle Johnny.

I can't see it without signing in, what is it?!

so they all boarded the rocket log, but it couldn't take the extra weight. Much to the disappoint of Bolam they lost the Stella, but it didn't make any difference. There was only one thing for it, McCloud announced 'I'm off to have this log pimped by Spud. I'll be back by 5.'

Yes I am bored! Simply add up to paragraph at a time to continue the 'ArbTalk Fairytale'. I'll start the ball rolling... Once upon a time, The lonely woodsman lay down his Gransfor axe, exhausted after a long day, the light was now fading fast. He contemplated the evening ahead of him, and nervously headed off. The walk to his cabin was a long one today, and he had put it off for as long as the sun would let him.

... literally! http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2RqLQ5/ownedbyautocorrect.com/funny-autocorrects-of-the-week-25-pics/

That would be good, a fungal fix as I missed it too Really peeved as I was all ready and looking forward to it, but the the wife had, um, issues! Not happy, as those issues made me miss my place to see Mynors at Barcham recently. Grrrr Always next year...

very interesting

yep, and I remember days gone by when Gerritt said it must be growing from still live roots of beech which had been ground out years before...

aha, competition makes sense what are your thoughts on merip fruiting from live roots/ dead stump/ laurel in these images?

? don't worry, its just your PMT (Pre mushroom-season tension)

cheeky

why do you suspect panic fruiting? I'd have thought they'd have a feast on a big dead stump! What are your thoughts on the merip?

Seems like a good place to put this Dead (sycamore?) monolith with honey (note the ring on the stripe and the white spores in pic 4) at its base and meripilus just behind it. As I understand it the merip must be fruiting from still live roots, so may be associated with the laurel hedge rather than the sycamore. There is in the neighbouring drive a horse chestnut with dieback. Within its rooting zone is a cart lodge which is a few years old and a driveway adjacent which has been resurfaced in recent years. With horse c leaf miner year on year as well, this tree is starting to feel its age! Between the monolith and the horse c is more honey fruiting on the ground. Moving in on the stressed horse chestnut, which in time will go the way of the monolith I suspect.

I've been lapse here! have been by many times and never checked, perhaps I'll remember to now?