Advanced Tree Condition Assessment in Nottinghamshire

About This Project

Client:

Private client

Site:

Private residence

Introduction:

Tree Frontiers were approached by a private client who was seeking advice regarding the health and general condition of three trees located within the garden. Following an initial conversation we carried out an advanced tree condition assessment in order to provide the client with a long-term management strategy for these trees.

The Assessment:

Tree Frontiers had been recommended to the client by a local tree surgeon who made the initial contact. The trees were oak and all classified as mature and of significant size. An initial desk-based study indicated that the site in which they are all growing sits on the boundary of two different geological bases, which may result in slightly differing drainage patterns between the north and south areas of the site.

Red oak in client garden

Tree Frontiers visited the site to undertake an advanced (Level 3) assessment of the trees’ conditions, which involves obtaining specific information about defects, targets or site conditions. The tools and equipment used during an advanced assessment assist through the provision of additional data which helps inform the decision-making process. The tools we used in this case were:

  • Microsecond timer: Measures the time it takes for sound to pass through the stem between two sensors, providing a snapshot of the wood quality.
  • Microdrill: Assesses the density of wood in a tree by measuring the relative resistance to the drill, allowing accurate measurements of cavities or decay within the stem
  • Chlorophyll fluorescence meter: Measures the amount of light energy reflected from leaves, indicating the health and vitality of a tree.

Two of the three trees were assessed using the microsecond timer, whilst the third was assessed using the microdrill following a visual assessment indicating an area of decay within its trunk.

Fungal fruiting body at base of tree indicating area of decay

All three trees were subject to a chlorophyll fluorescence assessment in order to provide a baseline measurement for comparison with any future assessment.

The Results:

The advanced tree condition assessment provided valuable insights into the health and condition of the three trees and allowed us to draw the following conclusions:

  • The overall structural condition of one of the trees was good, but the conditions in which it is growing may be having an adverse effect on its health as its physiological condition is not as good.
  • The overall condition of one of the trees was fair. A potentially significant defect was visually identified and confirmed using the microdrill, which indicated a large decay cavity at the base of the tree and extending vertically through the stem.
  • The overall condition of the third tree was good.

This led us to provide following recommendations:

  • Soil sampling and testing should be undertaken to provide guidance on the soil pH, moisture content, temperature and light intensity.
  • Adjusting the composition of the trees, over time, to reduce competition for light and space
  • Vitality assessments at least once per year – if any changes are made to the soil or growing environment these will help monitor whether such changes are having a positive impact.
  • Further assessment of the internal decay should be undertaken five years from this assessment.

If you have a query about the condition of a tree and need assistance please get in touch (info@treefrontiers.com).

 

Category
Tree Risk Management