Die back at the top of a tree more often than not indicates a problem with the roots, this is often caused by soil compaction, recent excavations such as trenching and decay pathogens.

We started the day by carrying out our ‘on site’ risk assessment and setting out our Men at Work road signage to alert motorists. On a tree of this size we use two climbers this is so we get the job done efficiently and safely.

Caleb climbed the tree first and installed Chris’s climbing line and the rigging line so that we could carefully lower the severed branches to the ground. Matt and Mark did a sterling job keeping up with the climbers by chipping up the branch wood and logging the timber as well as controlling the traffic when required.

We certainly had the weather on our side as we had probably had the only dry day in April! I will post a picture of the tree in leaf so that the difference in height and shape can be seen to its full.

Chris and Caleb working the tree together

As tree surgeons in Wiltshire we received an urgent call from Longleat Safari Park asking if we could help mend a hole in the netting which was caused by the recent high winds.

The safari park had hired in a cherry picker to mend three holes but found the machine was not tall enough to reach the largest hole on the edge of the pool.

We used the picker to access the tree and with a bit of teamwork between Jon in the basket and Chris in the tree they were able to insert a new piece of netting and tie it all together with zip ties. (Is there anything zip ties can’t do?) Thankfully there were no such problems in the Lion enclosure!!

Where pruning to reduce the size of the crown will reduce the windloading on the tree it does not address the heart of the matter the ‘roots’.The roots not only provide anchorage they are required for storage of sugars and starch and the uptake of water and nutrients. Mulching the ground beneath the tree out past the ‘dripline’ with well composted organic matter does wounders for soil structure. The organic matter encourages earth worm action! The worms digest the organic matter improving the soil nutrient content as well as decompacting soil horizons, improving drainage and the availability of soil oxygen. All of this is good for trees.

So far we have completed stage one the crown reduction (just as well with the winds at present!) and we will be returning in February for stage two. Measurements and photographs will be taken to see if there is an improvement of the branch ‘extension growth’ from previous years to provide the basis from which to compare the new growth in years to come. We will keep you informed……..

For hard pruning, in other words pollarding and coppicing where the tree would be left without any foliage then the best time is once the leaf is fully off.

For light pruning such as crown thinning, light crown reductions of no more than 30% then providing you avoid bud burst and leaf fall then anytime is okay.

Certain species of trees, Birch, Walnut and Maples can ‘bleed’ heavily when pruned and should only be done at certain times of the year and other species such as Plums and cherries, (Prunus species) should only be done with the tree in full leaf as it is thought to give a greater resistance to Silver Leaf disease.

The time NOT to prune is bud burst in SPRING when the trees are expending alot of their stored energy and AUTUMN when the trees are breaking down the chlorophyl in the leaves and storing these starches and sugars.

Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 any tree work that is planned for trees with a stem (trunk) diameter of 7.5 centimeters or more at a height of 1.5 metres from the ground must be notified to your local council. This applies to all tree species regardless of who planted them. This does not necessarily mean that tree pruning or felling will not be permitted but is a necessary procedure to follow to avoid legal action and fines. Here at Downlands we can advise you on the best action to take regarding your trees and we will submit the application to your council on your behalf at no additional charge.

As experienced and qualified tree surgeons we are able to advise you on the condition of and any potential hazards your trees may pose to third parties. It is not our desire to condem and fell trees just because they are on a boundary as our ethos is to preserve the longevity of trees through correct management so they can be enjoyed for many years to come.

We would like the opportunity to offer you access to professional advice that is honest and could be beneficial to you and your trees. So if you have any concerns call Jon Burgess on 01985 214320.