Tree Maintenance Update - The Hornbeam - December 2020
Residents may be aware of the declining health of the hornbeam near the entrance to Royal Victoria Park (T1 on the maps).
In recent years we have been aiming to carry out minimal works to this tree in order to preserve as much of its attractive appearance as possible. The tree is, however, suffering from a sizeable bracket fungus which has led to the dying off of a significant part of the tree above 2.5m. We needed to clear this dead wood with some urgency and that work has now been completed, leaving as much of the trunk as we can.
The other part of the tree above 2.5m is struggling and likely to die off soon whilst diverting energy from the much healthier looking canopy between 2 and 2.5m. Following the recommendations of Crest Tree Services we are planning to cut back this part of the tree later this winter in order that we may hopefully have more years of life from the lower part of the tree. We are clearly managing the hornbeam’s decline and with that in mind are intending planting a replacement tree on the same piece of ground so that will have a chance to mature as the hornbeam gradually dies off.
Residents may be aware of the declining health of the hornbeam near the entrance to Royal Victoria Park (T1 on the maps).
In recent years we have been aiming to carry out minimal works to this tree in order to preserve as much of its attractive appearance as possible. The tree is, however, suffering from a sizeable bracket fungus which has led to the dying off of a significant part of the tree above 2.5m. We needed to clear this dead wood with some urgency and that work has now been completed, leaving as much of the trunk as we can.
The other part of the tree above 2.5m is struggling and likely to die off soon whilst diverting energy from the much healthier looking canopy between 2 and 2.5m. Following the recommendations of Crest Tree Services we are planning to cut back this part of the tree later this winter in order that we may hopefully have more years of life from the lower part of the tree. We are clearly managing the hornbeam’s decline and with that in mind are intending planting a replacement tree on the same piece of ground so that will have a chance to mature as the hornbeam gradually dies off.
General Tree Maintenance - 2018
In 2018 BPDMCL completed was some necessary tree works in response to a detailed inspection report we had commissioned. Following receipt of the report, we undertook further consultation with residents before agreeing on a course of action. We suffered some administrative delays on seeking the necessary planning permission, and then suffered further delays after our previous landscaping contractors, Greenfingers, ceased trading. Finally, we were able be proceed with the tree works through our contractors, Ambience, between April and June 2018. A report on the tree work undertaken can be found below.
Tree maintenance report
Work carried out by Ambience Landscapes, April – June 2018. Please refer to the Brentry Park Development Estate Map below which shows the reference numbers and position of the trees.
Hornbeam (T1): Dead wood removed (note, we are aware that there are significant amounts of dead wood in this tree, however, given its attractiveness and prominent position on the estate, our approach is to manage its condition and remove a minimal amount dead wood e.g. where there is a potential safety risk).
Copper Beech (T2): Dead wood removed.
Sycamore (T3): Dead wood removed and GEFA Strap Band Light Bracing applied in 3 sections to the large included fork.
Sycamore (T4): Formative pruning undertaken to shape tree and reduce back competing leaders.
Horse Chestnut (T5): Small formative pruning undertaken to shape tree.
Beech (T6): No work required.
Sycamore (T7): Dead wood removed. GEFA Strap Band Light Bracing applied to 3-way included fork.
Sycamore (T8): Dead wood removed.
Beech (T9): No work required.
Oak (T10): No work required.
Silver Birches (x3) (T11/T12/T13): Stabilising ties removed (trees now well established after being planted by BPDMCL in 2012).
Ongoing maintenance:
Trees inspected by Ambience as part of regular maintenance visits (in particular for any safety risks e.g. of falling branches caused by weather damage etc. and general tree health). Bracing to be inspected annually and adjusted if required and replaced after 8 years.
BRENTRY PARK DEVELOPMENT ESTATE MAP
In 2018 BPDMCL completed was some necessary tree works in response to a detailed inspection report we had commissioned. Following receipt of the report, we undertook further consultation with residents before agreeing on a course of action. We suffered some administrative delays on seeking the necessary planning permission, and then suffered further delays after our previous landscaping contractors, Greenfingers, ceased trading. Finally, we were able be proceed with the tree works through our contractors, Ambience, between April and June 2018. A report on the tree work undertaken can be found below.
Tree maintenance report
Work carried out by Ambience Landscapes, April – June 2018. Please refer to the Brentry Park Development Estate Map below which shows the reference numbers and position of the trees.
Hornbeam (T1): Dead wood removed (note, we are aware that there are significant amounts of dead wood in this tree, however, given its attractiveness and prominent position on the estate, our approach is to manage its condition and remove a minimal amount dead wood e.g. where there is a potential safety risk).
Copper Beech (T2): Dead wood removed.
Sycamore (T3): Dead wood removed and GEFA Strap Band Light Bracing applied in 3 sections to the large included fork.
Sycamore (T4): Formative pruning undertaken to shape tree and reduce back competing leaders.
Horse Chestnut (T5): Small formative pruning undertaken to shape tree.
Beech (T6): No work required.
Sycamore (T7): Dead wood removed. GEFA Strap Band Light Bracing applied to 3-way included fork.
Sycamore (T8): Dead wood removed.
Beech (T9): No work required.
Oak (T10): No work required.
Silver Birches (x3) (T11/T12/T13): Stabilising ties removed (trees now well established after being planted by BPDMCL in 2012).
Ongoing maintenance:
Trees inspected by Ambience as part of regular maintenance visits (in particular for any safety risks e.g. of falling branches caused by weather damage etc. and general tree health). Bracing to be inspected annually and adjusted if required and replaced after 8 years.
BRENTRY PARK DEVELOPMENT ESTATE MAP