Compo

You're quite right. It's the bark that protects from fire, either from above or below. I read about one in America that, after being struck by lightning, smouldered for two months. The foliage burns easily but many of the primitive conifers (including Yew) are able to bud out from the bark. Curiously the seeds are tiny and regeneration is often from rooted fragments so they are readily grown from cuttings.

But they don't burn!

The bark does protect against forest fires. And lightning strike which is handy when you're that big

Welligtonia is named after the Duke of Wellington and an Indian Chief, Sequoyah. Neither ever saw the tree apparently. Redwood is a generic term for the timber, used for some Pine too.

Doesn't burn either. Best you'll get from the bark is a slow smoulder. Hardier than the Coast Redwood too

Welligtonia is Sequoiadendron giganteum, Coast Redwood is Sequoia sempervirens. Size makes them seem similar but habit is different. Welligtonia tends to be pyramidal, Redwood more columnar. Comparosn with Thuja and Taxus is a good one interms of foliage but the Wellingtonia bark is a giveaway, fibrous and very, very thick. Soft to the touch

Sequoia = Coast Redwood, Wellingtomia = Sequoiadendron. World's tallest vs World's biggest. Very different trees

There is a difference between banter and ridicule and there is mothing subtle about it. Banter is good-natured ribbing - plenty of examples of that on this site. Ridicule is an attempt to counter a point or argument by denigrating the individual concerned. I don't post very often, not because I have nothing to say or even because I'm concerned at the response. Why should I care what someone who does not know me says about me? However I have no wish to be associated with that kind of behaviour. I regular browse the site because there are people on here whose opinion is valued, whether or not I agree with them. They have even changed my view on occasion. They are what makes this site worthwhile.

Exactly

I'm with the Council on thiis. Unless there's a very good reason for the work, leave them be

Just passed by the field. Looks like they're all out at work. Cutting or cold calling. Can't fault the work ethic

Glad to see there's so much work available locally. They must be at the top end of the trade as all their gear looks pristine. Must be making it pay. Is anyone allowed to leave brash on Council land or do I need a permit?

I'm surprised there has been no mention of the Arborist Convention near Nottingham. Our local playing field is full of Tree Surgeons' trucks, fully liveried so they must be professionals. Looks like it must be a big affair and likely to be held for some time as they've brought their families along in their caravans.

Thorn, thorn and thorn

It's a wise man that plants a Walnut tree, knowing he will never sit in its shade