We are having problems with a local authority refusing to register works unless individual branches are specified on every application relating to thinning or just general removal of crossing, structurally weak, or hazardous branches.
Example of what they require: Branch 1. On the south side of the crown, 2nd main branch from ground level and 8th branch along the stem going north, remove crossing branch. Branch 2 and so on....
Below an example of one of our applications that would not be adequate.
" 1. Crown thin - upto 10% to leave a well-spaced and balanced branch
structure, including removal of 'structurally weak or hazardous branches'
where necessary (see BS3998:2010 sect. 7.5)
Formative prune - involving the removal of one of two crossing-branches, where necessary (Approximately 10 in number),
and involving smaller branches upto 100mm dia. at the point of crossing (see
BS3998:2010 sect. 7.4)
Collectively, the above works will not exceed removal of more than 1/3rd
of the foliage bearing material throughout the tree and it is deemed to have
adequate vitality"
Unfortunately this decryption is not adequate enough for this council and they are not happy with this explanation and are saying it is too generic ?
Our recommendations accord with Table B1 of BS3998:2010 Management objectives and commonly applied pruning options
To maintain health or longevity by means of: good structural integrity by
removing individual dead, defective or diseased parts.
We feel without carrying out a climbing inspection we cannot realistically identify all branches from ground level and there has to be a certain amount of responsibility left with the climber to identify these branches as he carries out his work from the tree.
Also the additional admin to achieve this for all parties would be horrendous and unrealistic on larger mature trees with many defects.
Any comments would be welcome to gain a general feeling out there on this?