PROJECTS

MAJOR TREE SURGERY AND A FRESH START - WEEPING WILLOW (SALIX BABYLONICA)

July 2019 - West London

Its not unusual for this species to have big limbs tear out. Several times, we've been called to attend to large Willows who've branches have partially or completely come away from the tree, sometimes causing substantial hazards or damage.
What can often happen is small pockets forming near the branch collar as a result of how the tree has grown. Water can settle in these pockets and then work its way into tissue leaving it open to infection which can then cause rot and structural weakness. Willows naturally retain a lot of water which combined with a full drape of foliage, puts pressure on weak joints, causing limbs to fail.
In the instance of this case, one of the the 2 major stems which over time had grown toward each other and fused, failed and came crashing down below damaging fencing and neighbouring trees. The exposed wound being where it was left no option but to drastically reduce both limbs to the same height, leaving them to start again, much like they would after being pollarded (all foliage removed). Luckily Willows are tough so can handle a good beating

MAKING A LIVING SEAT - COMMON LIME (TILIA X EUROPAEA)

May 2018 - South-East London

Unique request, this one. The client had an established Lime tree growing at the back of her garden next to a den-like area for children to play in. Unsure what to do with the tree and obstructed visually by trees in front of it, she decided to do something creative with it and asked us to remove the crown, reduce the trunk right down, and carve what was left into a throne like seat with a high back. Fortuitously, the tree leant the right way which helped it recline in a (relatively) more comfortable position for the occupant. 
Being a Lime tree, there's a strong chance the remaining tissue, still rooted in the ground and un-interfered with, will remain alive, sprouting new growth and thus creating a living piece of garden furniture.

PRECISION FELLING - [DEAD] HORSE CHESTNUT (AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM)

April 2018 - East London

Dead trees aren't always easy to deal with. Often drained of any water they once held, cutting can prove difficult and can even blunt saws. Climbing is risky as while structurally the tree might still stand up straight. It can also wobble when moved around on, the roots may have begun to weaken (or rot) and branches can fail. If there's an opportunity to bring such a tree down safely without needing to put climbers at unnecessary risk then we will always explore these options. Much time was spent at College learning the different techniques used for felling trees and as long as you get your wedge cuts and back cuts right (plus some strong arms on a pull line as a failsafe) you can usually be quite accurate with landing trees. We'll always protect ground as best we can too then we know any surface damage or ricochetting debris will be minimised. BOING!