Paul Melarange

It's not K.deusta. It most likely to be Biscogniauxia nummularia. It's common on dead beech or large dysfunctional parts of beech.

Here is John White's method for estimating the age of veteran and ancient trees. I have used it to calculate the age of just mature trees too. http://www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/John-White-estimating-file-pdf.pdf Alternatively you could use a resistance drill eg Resistograph or PD to measure the thickness of the annual rings, then calculate it from that.

I've just looked at the pic on my computer rather than iphone. I still think the leaves look narrower than those of H. helix. Although knowing how ubiquitous H. helix is, I guess it is most likely to be that. Just out of interest Roscoe, is this ivy tree/bush located within a garden or it is public open space/countryside?

It's difficult to see from the pic, especially on my iPhone, but I think it is most likely to be Hedera nepalensis.

It looks more like Pyrus calleryana.

Sonic/impulse tomography is where it's at for mapping decay 😀 seriously though there is equipment out there such as the PD400 resistograph, Picus tomograph and Arbotom tomography unit that will provide you with much more information about the integrity of the stem. I would recommend finding a local consultant or arborist that has the equipment to come and test the tree for you.

I'm going to be on the ancient tree forum stand again this year. It would be great to actually meet you arbtalkers in person, so please call in and say hello. I'll be giving a talk tomorrow at 11.00 on assessing the stability of hollow trees, as well as demonstrating the Arbotom sonic tomography unit, so if you're interested come along. I look forward to meeting some of you over next couple of days 😃

This very sad news. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Sean your idea of planting a tree in memorial is a great idea.

It looks like it might be Purple Passion plant (Gynura sarmentosa). Hard to tell though from the photo.

I'll take a punt at Trametes versicolor and Stereum rugosum Expecting to be corrected by either David or Chris 😀

Hi Harry They are galls. Are these lime leaves in the photo?

Looks like Griselinia littoralis

Hi Gary, I hope all is good with you. Richardson's Botanical Identifications charge around £60 for 1-2 roots. I haven't needed to use them for a little while, so this price might be a touch higher now. Hope this is of some use. Paul

Ah ha, I knew something was amiss, just couldn't put my finger on it! 😀

This new mulching technique seems to be all the rage at the moment 😏