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Trees don’t last for ever and sometimes have problems. The tree below is an oak tree of a type that spreads sideways rather than upwards. It is shown first in January 2015 when it was asleep. A handsome tree that by May had gained its summer leaves (note how much leaf growth it had made in a week). In early June reports came in from regular Woodland users that a large branch had broken away with the tip resting on the ground; away from the main path. It had been attached by a relatively small part of the branch. Inspection of the tree showed that there are some early splits in the main trunk. Because of this, and because it would not be sensible to just remove some branches and still retain a proper shape, trustees decided to remove all branches; a major “haircut”. That left two possible futures for the tree. One, to die and become “standing dead wood” which is a good habitat. Second, it might fight back and continue growing.
During the days after its haircut there was a large amount of water being pumped up through the tree and by the end of the month there were signs of re-growth. As you can see, growth is quite rapid, so that by mid-July there is a visible covering.
Over the next 12 months it died. The woodpeckers and other birds cleared any insects and grubs from under the bark and by October 2016 most of the bark had come off and the tree remains as “standing deadwood”.
We will try to update this story as time goes on.
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