UKTC Archive
Re: Bracing Beeches
| Subject: | Re: Bracing Beeches |
|
|---|---|---|
| From: | Jerry Ross | |
| Date: | Jul 29 2009 15:49:31 |
Sarah Johnston wrote:
Hi there all, I have recently inspected two mature Beech trees 20m height both with included bark unions between co-dominant stems. The stems are at least 500mm dia the attached pictures show the included unions.The trees are located on a bank and are within 10m of three residential properties, high usage targets. The residents are in my opinion understandably concerned. Being Beech the trees would not respond well to heavy reduction work biologically and this would also destroy their amenity value, which is significant as they are covered by a TPO. Does anyone have experience of cable bracing mature Beech trees with such s ignificant included unions and large limbs? I have not been involved with bracing at all before and am trying to get some more information. I have heard that many people shy away from bracing as it is seen as an admission that the tree will eventually fail? Does cable bracing significantly reduce the level of harm should failure occur? and finally does anyone know what sort of weight can these systems support. I have contacted Cobra but if anyone knows of any other systems please advise. Thank you for your help as always. Sarah
Personally I'd shy away from plastic fittings like Cobra, unless you can
guarantee annual checks for the rest of the trees' lives.
I've fixed a good few steel cables with through bolts into beeches and a
good few of them are still there, well grown in and evidently doing the
trees no harm.
No way of knowing if they're doing any good of course - the trees might
have been fine without them, but how can you tell?
There is the argument that by providing artificial support you might
suppress the tree's reaction growth - although I don't see that as a
problem as long as the bracing system remains sound and effective; but
it's probably advisable to combine bracing with a degree of crown
reduction and ongoing crown management.
As for the business of brace being an admission that the tree will
eventually fail - won't they all? It shows that a defect has been
recognised, but then bracing shows that it's been responded to.
I can foresee difficulties could arise if a braced tree does actually
fail - can you prove that the brace was adequately designed and
specified and that it was fitted correctly?
So it's important to get someone with suitable knowledge and experience
to do it . And with appropriate insurance - the cable is a manufactured
item and won't be covered under normal third-party liability cover
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