Management of Fragile Structures

The National Planning Framework Policy recognises the unique, historic and cultural value of veteran trees. Here in Great Britain, we have some of the most extensive collections within Europe. Management of such is highly specific over traditional tree management, due to the fragile and sensitive nature of trees that have made it to this age class. Structural health of a tree should be evaluated as to the consequences of its condition. Heavy snow, high gusts of wind and extreme conditions of dry weather can all affect the health of a tree. We assist weakened trees by installation of:

  • flexible restraints

  • rigid bracing

  • propping designs (see our latest project on the Crouch Oak below, and the Capon Oak in Scotland)

  • guying

Veteran and ancient trees have a unique habitat specific to species and age, often some ecologically unique to the age class. Our environmental contentious responsibility goes hand in hand with our legal wildlife responsibilities when working with trees, or tree communities, and associated habitats. The need for conservation stretches far beyond the amenity pleasures of such managed areas. Society has sapped and exhausted many such wildlife resources. Our role at Heritage Tree Services Ltd is to provide such management, often working with, or under, the guidance from statutory UK bodies such as The Environment Agency, DEFRA, Natural England, English Heritage or the National Trust. 

Assessment

If advised, Sonic Tomograph or Resistograph Internal Testing is carried out to assess a trees structural integrity, so that appropriate management instruction can be made. On occasion, an aerial climbing inspection may be required to ascertain a more thorough understanding of the tree’s structure. Please see our Arboricultural Consultancy page for further information.

Specific Remedial Tree Care

Trees often have to deal with the stresses of urban infrastructures and restrictions from utilising the natural organic cycles breaking materials down in the rooting zone. To build up natural energy (vitality), we offer mulching, Vertimulching and decompaction works to create a more natural environment dealing with specific issues, such as soil compaction and nutrient deficiency. Careful assessment and research is always carried out prior to recommendations. Please see our Arboricultural Consultancy page for further information.

Hugo says: ‘Veteran trees feature extremely important ecological components, revealing much about their lives.’

Listening and learning


Retaining old trees, provides essential habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.

…never underestimate the shelter of a tree canopy!

Crouch Oak

Prolonging the stay of the famous 11th Century Crouch Oak Veteran Tree in Addlestone, North London with the installation of three bespoke, precision engineered props designed by Hugo, and fabricated, delivered and welded in place by J R Hill. This wonderful tree is believed to be 11th Century and legend says: Queen Elizabeth I stopped by to enjoy a picnic underneath its canopy! We’re very proud of the great team effort, including the arborists and road engineers from Surrey County Council. NB top three pictures in gallery below show the Crouch End Oak now in leaf with smartly painted props.

 
 
 
 

The Heritage Surveying Team feel a certain pride when asked to survey old and veteran parkland trees. Managing Director, Hugo Loudon pictured here standing underneath a 300 year old Cedrus libani, believed to have been planted by the son of H.R.H. Frederick Prince of Wales in the 1700’s, said of this tree:
’…a truly remarkable, genetically pure Cedrus libani (hybrids now flood the market) sitting on an exposed hilltop. Having survived numerous gales over and above the norm and shivering through the coldest winter in 1963/64, it stood triumphantly through the 1990 Burns’ Day Gale. Obsolete Brace Systems have been replaced with non invasive support bracing that incorporates especially built shock absorbers to assist some natural movement - she’ll be here for a few more years yet and we will gladly continue to act as guardians for this tree, for as long as we are requested’.