February and March have seen us take on a wide variety of tasks throughout the southeast including, tree surveys, decay inspections and root investigation works.
We have carried out various internal decay inspections using our PiCUS surveying equipment. A process which involves measuring the speed at which sound waves travel through the tree, based on the knowledge that sound waves travel slower through decaying timber. The information collected can be processed by the onsite computer to give an incredibly accurate cross-section tomogram of the tress’ interior condition.
One such inspection in Colchester, Essex resulted in the retention of a mature English Oak which had been recommended for removal before are decay inspect works.
We were asked by The University of Essex to inspect a Veteran English Oak, visibly in decline, within the campus. On the recommendation of one of our consultants we set about exercising various actions to ensure not only retention of the tree, but also the safety of staff, students and visitors to the site. We started with root investigation and root decompaction works. We then reduced the crown of the tree to reduce the weight of the boughs and the sail effect from prevailing winds. We used a method of pruning called Fracture Pruning and Coronet Cuts. A method used to replicate natural breaks.
Next Biochar was added to the soil to help improve vitality and anti-social planting was recommended to prevent loitering beneath the tree. All these factors resulted in the retention of a beautiful veteran tree for years to come.
Are consultants have been supporting the construction industry also, with many arboricultural surveys being carried out.
We have produced Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA), Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS) and Tree Protection Plans (TPP). All surveys being carried out to the latest BS 5837:2012 trees in relation to design, demolition and construction guidelines. This survey is for anyone planning or considering altering property or land which is close to or contains trees.
One project we were incredibly proud to be involved with was the installation of multiple Swift boxes at Colchester Sixth Form Collage. Our Managing Director Liam Monahan generously donated his time to operate a cherry picker, provided by Richard Fordham Tree Surgeons, to support the installation project.
Swifts are naturally cliff-nesting birds which have adapted to thrive in the roof spaces of houses and churches. However, in the past 20 years numbers have declined by 50%, due, in part, to changes in the construction of buildings.
A generous contribution was also made by the Essex Wildlife Trust to purchase the nest boxes. Gemma Polley, a student at the collage, also sponsored a nest box for £35. Read more >