Reducing a precious oak under a TPO

Client

Private residential client

Background

The owners of the property had moved into a house in Brougham near Penrith, inheriting a large oak tree in the garden. This was covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) but it had been neglected and was suffering from worrying fungal growth at the base. Andy Nicol was brought in to advise on how to improve the health of this established tree.

Our contracting and consultancy

Andy carried out a site visit and assessment and found the overall health of the tree to be good, in spite of multiple brackets of decay fungus around the base. The owners were keen to save the tree and Andy liaised with the local council planning authority, gaining approval for the crown reduction that the tree needed for its ongoing health and for the safety of those on the adjoining footpath and road.

Testimonial from client

“From his initial survey through to gaining the relevant permissions and carrying out the work itself, Andy and his team were absolutely professional, friendly and extremely efficient. We were given a quote and timescale for the work and were not let down on either. Weather was foul on the day the work was carried but everything was achieved and his team went the extra mile to leave the site clean and tidy. We would have no hesitation in recommending Andy and his team and look forward to using them again in the future.”

Comment from Nicol: The Tree Specialist

“It’s always satisfying to save a veteran tree and return it to good health. Many trees that we work on are covered by TPOs so gaining permissions is something that we do regularly and those discussions with planning authorities are part and parcel of what we can do for clients when needed.”