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Re: BS:5837 20% offset question

Subject: Re: BS:5837 20% offset question
From: Jerry Ross
Date: Jan 21 2008 18:05:43 
Response interleaved below:

Russell Jobson wrote:

ian cupper <iancupper@xxxxxx.com> wrote
PS. What does open grown mean exactly? is this 'open'
to interpretation? 

Hello Ian
Having attended one of the seminars after the new BS 5837 was launched and
asking the exact same question during the discussion that followed, my
understanding of an 'open grown tree' is:
A tree that has grown in a field with no other competition around it
(apart from the grass), to the extent that a tree growing on a field
boundary sharing space with a hedgerow is NOT and open grown tree.
On the seminar that I went to, this was queried by Rodney Helliwell -
very pertinently in my opinion, and no clear response was given.
I refer you to pages 149 to 150 of Biddle, vol. 1: with reference to
groups and rows of trees he says (in part):
"... investigations, for instance by the Kew Root Survey, concluded that
there were no differences between the root spread of trees in these
various associations.... and likewise my investigations show neither
increased depth nor radial spread of trees in rows or groups". He goes
on to explain why, on biological ground, this is the case.
IMO in an urban situation or in the majority of green field sites for
that matter, there will be no such thing as an 'open grown tree.' 
Not if we believe the Standard rather than Helliwell & Biddle.
Perhaps there are some people lurking who were more central to the BS
publication who could clarify??
IMO this section needs clarification within the document or removed
altogether. 
Hear Hear!
Albeit that i am no longer in an LA environment, whilst I was, I had
numerous planning applications by consultants and 'bob the builder' alike,
all quoting this offset in all manner of means, none of which, following
my understanding, correctly.
Didn't half take up valuable time though writing reports and having
"discussions" about the use of the offset and its application. 

Clarification required, me thinks.

Hear Hear Again.
Review time anyone????


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