Technical or decay on the tree?
- Are the roots exposed in part or damaged, perhaps from maintenance equipment or excavations?
- Does the soil around the tree base show evidence of heave?
It can sometimes be difficult to notice the presence of cracks, splits and other defects from ground level, but they should be reported when you notice them.
Some trees can show evidence of quite
apparent swelling around a decayed part of the tree and this is usually a sign of a process called ‘adaptive swelling’, where trees have the ability to strengthen themselves in areas of weakness. In this instance, the defect should be analysed by an appropriately qualified and indemnity insured arboriculturist. If fungi is present on branches and is
perceived to have caused weakness in the branch, then the recommendation for preventative pruning should be made. A common sight nationwide within the canopy and climbing up the main stem of trees is ivy which, although can support a wide variety of wildlife and, in some instances, look attractive, can also hide defects. Although ivy does not actually kill trees itself, it will hamper the trees ability to adequately photosynthesise by blocking out light to the inner canopy and pose a greater burden to branches which, in time, will become prone to failure.
As previously mentioned, trees have the ability to strengthen themselves (adaptive swelling) in areas of weakness. So, trees growing in windy conditions may look misshapen or leaning, but will have adapted to the environment and problems usually arise when other trees have been removed. Therefore a leaning tree is not always a
problem, but caution should be aired when the tree is leaning over a target and, should the tree fail, then it will, of course, land on that target. Fungal infections on the roots and stem
of trees are usually evident in the form of fungal brackets. These are a sign that fungal mycelium is growing within the tree and, in some cases, a fungal bracket will show only 20% of the infection externally, with the remaining 80% of the infection within the roots and stem itself. Some of the fungi, particularly the ones that live on the stem base and the roots, can cause so much decay that there is a risk of the tree blowing over. The inspection report should be
presented in a clear manner which represents the findings of the survey, with all documents filed as points of reference during maintenance planning, with copies archived. This could make the difference between an effective defence or none at all in the case of litigation. It is of great importance that the person undertaking the survey and inspection has a sound understanding of the relevant ecological issues and Acts of
Parliament in place to protect our native flora and fauna.
Although it is permissible to disturb
crows, magpies and pigeons at any time of year, and the majority of other species in order to preserve public health or safety, Schedule 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 states that the disturbance of any birds covered in schedule 1, which includes seventy-nine less common species, may only be done under licence.
In the case of surveying ancient trees, the English Nature Specialist Method must be used to record the dependable habitat for that tree. Recommendations, as noted in the survey report, should ideally direct minimal treatments in order to preserve ecological objectives and crown stabilisation in terms of decades opposed to non-ecological objectives.
After working as a greenkeeping apprentice, Paul Forrest joined the greenkeeping team at The Flaxby as Deputy Head Greenkeeper, and later became a company director for a Landscape and Horticultural contractors. In 2013, he rejoined The Flaxby and is currently studying the Foundation Degree Sports Turf Science through Myerscough College. The R&A awarded Paul a
placement onto their Greenkeeping Scholarship programme through which he regularly exchanges advice and expertise regarding Golf Course sustainability and sound management practices alongside fellow R&A Scholars
126 PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014
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