The Project
Branch Reduction of a Protected (TPO) Tree in Woodstocks
A survey followed by branch reduction on a protected (TPO) mature London plane in a private garden overhanging a public footpath and road and within striking distance of various properties and highways including those adjacent to a school.
The Survey
L.Smith Tree Surgery was instructed by the tree owner to conduct a health and safety assessment of the tree following concerns about its proximity to the owner’s property, neighbouring property and public highways. In addition to the usual visual assessment from ground level and acoustic testing, the canopy was inspected using a drone with the permission of Farnborough Airport.
In response to our findings, we recommended a selective crown reduction in order to reduce over-extended growth and reduce the mechanical loading of a weak branch attachment, with selective reduction of the remaining canopy to balance. A detailed written arboricultural report was provided to the client.
The Works
To avoid any conflict of interests, the client was advised that they could instruct a third party to carry out the works. However, they chose to appoint L.Smith Tree Surgery to complete the works. This necessitated completion and submission of an application to the local authority to carry out works on a protected tree (TPO), providing the survey report and full justification for the recommended works, permission for which was granted by the Local Authority.
The report and recommended works were completed to the satisfaction of the client. As standard, we provided before and after photographs following completion of works.