Chris at eden

I get asked for probably one a week. I don't do that many (only 1 this year) as I mainly stick to QTRA and BS5837 as they are regular works. I only really take them on if its for a mortgage advisor or an estate agent as again this could lead to regular works. I could do a lot more though if I had the time so definitely worth the cost of training.

Hi I have done both the Tree Life course and the CAS one which sounds a bit daft but there is definitely value in doing both so I would certainly recommend this approach. In terms of geology as John said start with the BGS viewer and go from there. They are very helpful and don't tend to mind if you email for clarification if you are unsure although I don't suppose they would be happy if you did it constantly. Didn't know they did a risk profile though for a fee - John, do you have a contact for this? Regards Chris.

Thanks David

Thanks David. That is what I was thinking when I said secondary, have you seen bleeding to this extent when Honey Fungus was present? Didn't see any bootlaces but access to most of the trees was restricted by dense shrubberies.

No Worries Jules, no offence taken. I skimmed the post quickly and missed the bit about the extension so my oversight really, apologies to the OP. I wasn't really suggesting cutting roots or causing wilful damage but if the subsidence reoccurred and was shown on the balance of probabilities to be down to the tree then mitigation works would be required whatever they may be, this would be exempt in my view. That is realistically topping or felling, root pruning is a waste of time as the use of root barriers in not recommended by NHBC and the roots will grow back as you say. I still think TPOing a tree with low visibility on a shrinkable soil and adjacent to a 1930s house (with previous subs issues) is just bonkers. There was a claim a few years ago (I forget the ref) where the applicant submitted evidence showing seasonal movement and the LPA refused inviting them the appeal. They took some legal advice and did not bother with the appeal and instead went straight to putting in a claim against the LPA. The LPA used the defence that the appeal route was available. The applicant won the cost of underpinning as the court took the view that the LPA decision was wrong irrespective of the appeal. Basically why should they mess about appealing the LPAs incorrect decision while damage is clearly occurring. I would personally always go for appeal but the PINS can take up to 27 weeks to determine an appeal so that can be an issue if damage is on going so I kind of see the logic. It would probably be worth starting the ball rolling on both. My main point though was get some appropriate professional advice on trees, soils, the underpinning, and the value of the property and how it will be impacted by the underpinning. Its not a straight forward purchase. Cheers

Hi Folks Anyone seen this before? Its a site I looked at in Oxford a few days ago. The foliage is yellowing from the ground up which when I had it described to me I thought Red Band Needle Blight but that doesn't explain the stem bleeding so thought maybe something secondary. When you look closely though they are bleeding from canker like openings which would point to Pine Pitch Canker but according to the FC this is not yet present in the UK. Any thoughts? Cheers

Its a bit odd that the LPA have TPOd the tree. If the tree causes further damage then this is an actionable nuisance and so work to mitigate the impact is most likely exempt from the TPO. Root protection areas are not relevant in this instance as the zone of influence is a very different thing to an RPA. i.e. Zone of influence for Oak is 25m (as per NHBC) whereas RPAs can never be more than 15m if you are following the standard, bit more if you are offsetting I suppose but the drip line comment disappeared with the 2005 standard anyway. TO is talking nonsense when bringing in RPAs though. I would recommend that you get a tree report if you haven't already.

Not to mention, what he is describing doesn't sound like a root barrier anyway!!!

Could be, I've just never seen it with a thick trunk like that before.

Scrap that, didn't see the second pick. I know this but cant think.

Phyladelphus maybe?

Yeah ideally both but they are a pretty rare breed in my experience. I have been off the tools for 12 years so I am neither anymore. I do recommend a few tree surgeons to my clients and I will go with good (quality and safety) over speed every time. But then I suppose I am not paying them.

I think gravity is bigger and louder in America.

I think you are confusing a good climber with a fast climber mate. Admittedly some folk are both though.

If it was an environmental issue such as drought it wouldn't really be targeting Sorbus, unless they are all newly planted I suppose. As a guess possibly Fireblight which as you say is bacterial and is host specific to Rosaceae including Sorbus. Any pics?

I do the occasional mortgage report in Bristol. Working off the geological survey maps much of the bedrock is sandstone but there are quite large areas of Mercia Mudstone which can be shrinkable. Cheers

I have two sounds now, age 43. I've had the whistling for years and just ignore it. About two months ago I was working late at the computer and thought I could hear a generator in the distance. Sort of like a bus ticking over down the road. I actually went out in the garden to listen to see where it was from. I asked my partner and she couldn't hear it so put two and two together. The new noise annoyed me at first but I am used to it now so I just zone out. Can't listen to music too load in the car now as it hurts slightly. Mine is from a combination of chainsaws, chippers, compact tractors and mowers, gigs, festivals, and clubs. There are treatments but not on the NHS and success is hit and miss I believe. someone I used to work with was treated by a clinic in Brussels and was completely cured. Don't know more about it than that though.

Spot on.

We visit France 2 or 3 times a year and love the place. What are the opportunities like for consultants? Cheers

On the contrary mate, I was agreeing with you. The thickness issue is a slightly dodgy one as if you ask Geosynthetics they will always say run it by their tech specifiers first. They made a point of saying those numbers I provided which I got from them is just a guide and shouldn't be relied upon fully. You may have a point about the B and Q membrane, I put some down in my garden last week and you can tear it with your fingers.

I agree with Gary about the sharp edges, you should be using clean angular stone, shouldn't be that sharp. The 20t thing is dependent on the depth of the Cellweb: 75mm - footways and cycle tracks. 100mm - up to 6t. e.g. cars and light vans. 150mm - up to 30t. e.g. Fire engine and delivery vehicles. 200mm - 30t - 60t. e.g. HGV and construction traffic. These weights are direct from Geosynthetics and I stress they are approximate but they will help you with the spec if you need it. They have a questionnaire they send out that then goes to their engineers. Cheers

If the trees are TPOd you need a TPO app, not a Section 211. Trees not covered by the TPO would still need a S. 211. Some TOs seem to say that epicormic removal is exempt but it isn't. Cheers

Are those little spikes on the cap? Looks like Pholiota squarrosa to me but I've never seen it on conifer. Closer pics would be good. Prepare to be shot down by our fungi gurus Chris and David?

I wouldn't bother personally, post planting maintenance is way more important. Watering, mulching, etc.

Allowing the stem to move encourages the development of a healthy stem taper through the production of localised reaction wood. Something along those lines maybe? Some folk refer to it as secondary thickening but its a bit more than that really although a similar mechanism.