After a thorough visual inspection by Ryland Horticulture Ltd. this mature Copper Beech was found to have major “soft-rot” decay caused by Kretzscmaria deusta. The tree had been sheltered within the valley, yet major renovation of the clients property had now put the tree into the forefront. If it was to wind blow, it would cause major damage to the country residence built in the last 40 years of the 17th century. The client wanted to keep the tree as it formed a major feature of the area, so crown reduction works were chosen as a compromise. The tree had previously had little pruning work upon it yet the main fork has historically been identified as weak and a chain placed 1m above the fork to help brace. The crown showed the process of thigmomorphogenesis, with the tree evolving complex systems to adjust its structure to accommodate external stresses and self-made biological stress due to growth and reproduction. Anastomosis was evident throughout the crown area with the fusion of limbs or branches, forming natural braces. Rylands undertook crown reduction work so if the tree did fail it would not damage the property. The results were good with the tree remaining a typical Copper Beech shape, with the internal bracing limbs being left to support…….
