I'm lucky enough to have a magnificent oak with a TPO at the end of my garden (but not in my garden)
It has just dropped a large limb across x3 gardens.
My neighbours are understandably very worried about it.. not least coz kids play out the back.. and other low branches overhang other gardens.
Had a visit from council TPO guy today. Council/neighbours will get a survey done.
I climbed up and took photos (attached)
My first thought was that a previously cut back branch had been cut too long and had been unable to heal, and that rot might have travelled into the upper area of the junction of fallen limb to trunk.
(There is another long-cut stump immediately below the lower area of that junction, which is now supporting the hinge)
Having talked to a friend, he pointed out there are no fruiting bodies around that area. I've climbed again and infact the broken timber is quite solid.. not friable.
Fungal infection was discussed with the TPO man. Theres a soft dark area of bark at the base of the trunk at ground level directly below the hinged branch. Also a few small dark areas on that same side of the trunk.
So my questions are:
Was this a natural shedding of a lower branch? Or a sign of some deeper problem?
What can be done to ensure the trees future health and the safety of my neighbours?
(Girth of trunk is 3.95m)
Thanks
