As part of Harcourt Arboretum's regular tree inspection, care and removal of unsafe trees programme it was was decided that a large small leaf lime tree growing adjacent to a main walkway through the arboretum should be felled for reasons of public safety.
Prior to felling, the tree was climbed and all of the main branches were removed to reduce collateral damage to adjacent specimen trees as the tree stem was felled. The large root plate buttresses were also removed before a directional sink cut was made.
The stem was directionally felled with the aid of wedges driven in at the back of the tree and gradually the tree was cut through from both sides to leave a hinge adjacent to the root of the sink cut. The wedges were driven home and the tree stem came down with an earth shattering thump causing the bark to separate from the trunk along its length.
Once the stem was on the ground it was safe to take a closer look at the felled tree. The entire length / height of the tree was covered in bird peck holes made by a woodpecker. The holes are arranged in horizontal bands around the circumference of the tree.
These holes are not a cause for concern as they are made by woodpeckers to cause the tree to bleed sap which attract ants to come and feed on same closely followed by the woodpeckers to feed on the ants.
Closer examination of the the butt revealed that rot was present and this is verified by the lines of spalting present.
The root plate is a mirror image of the butt and also illustrates spalting and root rot.
Following felling the a stump grinder was employed to remove the stump.
Ken Hume
Executive Trustee - Oxfordshire Woodland Group
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Small Leaf Lime Tree Felling