Dendrologen

Might be worth seeing if there's any grant funding available for managing veteran trees. There has been some in recent years. From a habitat perspective, the ones with more decay and damage can be more valuable. Trees may exist with ganoderma for a very long time, so I wouldn't prioritise the other ones because they don't have fruit bodies on them. Sods law you do that and then a perfectly healthy looking tree fails due to something you hadn't seen.

I looked after a parkland that was grazed by sheep. Never had to untangle any from the deadwood that we left at the base of the old trees.

Producing food isn't the key to conservation of mature trees though, is it? I am giving advice on tree management, not farming. This forum is about tree management.

If something falls off, you could leave it in situ, as this will benefit the tree and provide yet more valuable habitat. Healthy soil is "the key". If you want to preserve your old trees, you need to look after their environment. It is obviously up to you how much you value each individual tree and how much you want to invest in it.

These are standard practice methods for alleviating soil problems, which could potentially prolong the trees' life. Even a few more years has value when the habitats provided by mature trees are so rare. The OP would like to take some action to protect their trees that they are worried about losing. Unfortunately, not all arborists care about trees or know enough about them. This is why you need advice from a certified consultant.

Hi Cath. Certainly looks like Ganoderma. They are notoriously difficult for the amateur to separate. You are spot on with what you say about the environmental conditions. Soil compaction, fertiliser use, excessive nitrates from animal dung and changes in hydrology, that kind of thing, can all tip a tree over the edge and increase the susceptibility to fungi and the impact that they have on tree health. It is quite normal for a tree of this age to have a range of fungi living in/on it. Limiting trampling, around the roots (perhaps with a fence), consider reducing stocking density and timings (in wet weather the ground will obviously get more poached) and consider applying a wood chip mulch around the base of the tree, which will help to aerate the soil by stimulating biological activity. I think it's worth bringing in a consultant for advice and to draw up a management plan to ensure the best for your trees.

It might be the hard pruning that has killed this tree. The bugs might be secondary. Certainly looks like it's had a lot taken off. The bug in the pic looks like a ladybird larva, which predate many plant pests.

I did worry mine might might come back looking something like that, if I didn't send it to the right person. That looks terrible. Can't believe the guy that did that gave it back and told him it was safe.

...oh dear

There's definitely a niche here for someone to get certified and offer it as a service.

Oh really? Came undone?!

Thanks. Yeah, this is my concern. Of course, I want to know that it's safe. So I need to see some certification for my own peice of mind.

Thanks. I've emailed them.

Cheers, didn't see your reply. I had messaged them before I posted on here actually. Sadly no joy. I have been wondering if a shop like hb would do it, but I expect only on the new ropes that they sell. I will ask though...