Avenue Management Plan in Berkshire

About This Project

Client:

Private client

Site:

Berkshire

Introduction:

Tree Frontiers was commissioned to develop a management plan for an avenue of mature trees situated along a frequently used public footpath in Berkshire. The primary objective of this plan is to ensure the long-term sustainability and enjoyment of the tree-lined avenue for future generations.

Background:

Tree Frontiers was commissioned to conduct a condition survey of the trees lining both sides of the footpath. This footpath is a designated bridleway, accessible to the public for walking, horse riding, cycling, and the use of mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.

The primary species of tree along the avenue was the horse chestnut, although other species were present due to historical lack of management. While interventions had occurred, they were typically reactive responses to uncontrolled events, such as branch failure resulting from high winds, rather than proactive measures. The landowner determined that some form of intervention was necessary, and given the popularity of the footpath among local residents and visitors, a long-term strategic plan was required. The overarching objective was to ensure a sustainable avenue of trees for future generations to enjoy, while also addressing short-term safety concerns for those utilizing the footpath.

Horse chestnut trees alongside the footpath

The Opportunity:

We carried out a detailed tree condition survey of all the horse chestnut trees in the avenue, recording a total of 68 trees. Of these we noted the following:

• Eight trees were dead or had significant structural defects.
• Four trees were affected by ground vegetation.
• Two trees showed signs of horse chestnut bleeding canker.
• One tree required further inspection due to potential structural compromise.
• The remaining 55 trees were in good condition.

We noted that 68 of the trees exhibited signs of leaf miner, while 23 showed signs of leaf blotch. Additionally, two of the trees were colonised by fungi, with fruiting bodies visible on the stem.

Evidence of Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker

Fungal fruiting bodies

Following the survey, we recommended an ongoing schedule of monitoring and evaluation to allow for inspection of the trees during different seasons. This would enable timely detection of any structural or physiological indicators of health decline or vitality loss. All survey records will be stored digitally on a secure cloud management database, ensuring a historical record is maintained over time.

The management plan we put in place outlines both short-term and long-term goals:

• Short-term: Ensure the health and safety of footpath users.
• Long-term: Maintain a healthy, sustainable, and resilient tree-lined avenue.

Within this we outlined four separate areas of focus:

• Pruning and Remedial Intervention: Conducted as per survey recommendations.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitoring and managing leaf miner, leaf blotch, and bleeding canker.
• Replacement Planting: Introducing alternatives such as Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) as a more climate-resilient species.
• Post Planting Maintenance: Ensuring proper watering, mulching, staking, guarding, pruning, and inspection of newly planted trees.

Dead tree recommended for removal and replacement

The Results:

Under the guidance of our management plan, the client is now able to effectively implement a comprehensive strategy to re-establish the horse chestnut avenue using a phased approach over a 20-year period. Immediate actions include the removal of dead or compromised trees and the planting of replacements. The short-term and medium-term objectives are focused on regular inspections and ensuring the successful establishment of newly planted trees. By the end of this period, the goal is to re-establish the avenue as a prominent landscape feature capable of withstanding climate change challenges while preserving suitable habitats for biodiversity. This represents a long-term commitment by the landowner, which poses its own challenge in maintaining momentum. However, without this level of management and intervention, avenues, which are significant designed features of our landscapes, are at risk of disappearing.

Are you aiming to ensure the long-term sustainability and enjoyment of your tree-lined avenues? Our comprehensive services, including detailed tree condition surveys, strategic planning, pest and disease management, and replacement planting schemes, can re-establish your avenue as a distinguished landscape feature. Our approach not only preserves environmental aesthetics but also supports biodiversity and addresses climate change challenges. For further information or to discuss how our long-term planning can benefit your avenue, please contact us to explore how we can assist you in achieving similar outcomes.