At MB Trees, we recently undertook a complex job involving a large ash tree in significant decline. The tree, situated near a residential property, was in a state of retrenchment with a dead top and several branches in poor condition. Given its proximity to the home and the risks associated with falling branches, it was clear that decisive action was necessary to ensure the property’s and its occupants’ safety.
Understanding Retrenchment in Trees
Retrenchment is a natural process in which an ageing tree reduces its size by shedding its upper branches. This allows the tree to conserve energy and focus on maintaining its lower, healthier branches. While this process can indicate a tree’s adaptation to age or environmental stress, it can also lead to dangerous conditions, especially when large dead branches are positioned near structures.
The Decision to Pollard
After careful assessment, our team determined that pollarding the ash tree was the most suitable approach. Pollarding is a technique where the tree’s upper branches are pruned back to robust and healthy growth points. This method reduces the tree’s overall size and encourages new growth, potentially extending the tree’s life. In this case, pollarding was particularly appropriate given the tree’s condition and the need to prevent any potential damage to the nearby property.
Navigating Tight Access with Precision
One of the critical challenges of this job was the tight access to the tree. The only entry point was through a narrow gate, which required us to carefully manoeuvre our Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) into position. This equipment is essential for safely reaching high branches, especially when the tree is near buildings or other structures.
Our team expertly navigated the MEWP through the limited space, showcasing our ability to handle even the most challenging access situations. Once in place, we systematically pollarded the tree, ensuring each cut was made at a suitable growth point to promote healthy regrowth.
Ensuring Safety and Professionalism
Throughout the process, safety was our top priority. We took all necessary precautions to protect the property, the tree, and the team. By the end of the job, the ash tree was significantly reduced in size, with all dead and potentially hazardous branches safely removed. The remaining structure of the tree is now healthier and less likely to pose a risk in the future.
Conclusion
This project highlighted MB Trees’ expertise in managing complex tree surgery tasks, even in tight and challenging spaces. By choosing to pollard the ash tree, we were able to preserve its structure while ensuring the safety of the surrounding property. If you have a tree that poses a potential risk or is in a state of decline, don’t hesitate to contact MB Trees. Our team is equipped to handle all aspects of tree surgery, from assessment to execution, with professionalism and precision.