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Author Topic: Tree Climbing & Crown Reduction
Ken Hume
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Posts: 652
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Post Tree Climbing & Crown Reduction
on: March 16, 2013, 11:02
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When Oxfordshire County Council served a 28 notice on a woodland owner to fell a multi stem mega ash tree growing in proximity to a South Oxfordshire "Quiet Lane". The challenge to comply with same was very significant. This mega ash overtopped and surrounded a much older yew tree of significant interest and importance in the landscape. The decision was made to dismantle this tree rather than try a fell it in "one fell swoop".

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The owner turned to Nick Keighley of Face North Forestry (Dorchester-on-Thames) to undertake this work. Nick is an arboriculturalist and has a Masters in Forestry from Bangor University.

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Crown reduction work on this 110 year old, 80 foot high, monster tree started at daylight and prceeded apace until light was fading by which time the wind sail area and height of the tree was brought down to a level that even if the main stems failed would no longer pose a threat to passers bye.

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Climbing trees and felling large branches which are of tree like proportions is no mean task with physical fitness, nerves of steel, competence and the support of a good ground crew required to ensure the safety of both the public and arboricultural team alike.

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The following day the sun came out and the severity of the crown reduction became much more obvious.

Ken Hume
Executive Trustee - Oxfordshire Woodland Group

Ken Hume
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Posts: 652
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Post Re: Tree Climbing & Crown Reduction
on: March 20, 2013, 08:54
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After a bit of reflection over the weekend it was decided to fell the two remaining stems.

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Nick Keighly took the chance to try out his new Stihl Saw and pretty soon nothing was left standing.

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Nick's tractor / forwarder was moved into place to drag, extract and load the felled logs onto the trailer.

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The remaining logs were then pulled close to the forwarder, cut to size and loaded.

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The loaded trailer gets ready to take the logs away to Nick's Yard.

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Work now remains to reinstate fence lines, clean away lop & top and clean the road and rake the verge level. We shall watch this space to see whether the disturbance to this ground combined with increased light levels has any effect on the ground flora.

Ken Hume

Executive Trustee - Oxfordshire Woodland Group

Ken Hume
Administrator
Posts: 652
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Post Re: Tree Climbing & Crown Reduction
on: May 5, 2015, 07:52
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By summer 2013 we noted that the small elm tree stumps have started to sprout in coppice fashion beside the large ash tree that was felled. These were nibbled by deer and so were protected by laying on branches and twigs to protect growing tips.

By spring 2015 the elm stems are now 6 ft+ high, i.e. above deer browse level, and so the laid on branches and twigs are no longer needed but have been left in place to gradually rot away.

Ken Hume

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