Next B B Project

Not exactly what you'd hoped for Nigel, but giving them a good tidy up is the next best thing - if your council allows it.

 

This has regenerated, a bit like Doctor Who, looks different, different emphasis, but same overall idea, more space and light and less chance of bits dropping on people and property.
After last time I didn't get the small amount of permitted work done, wasn't worth getting someone in.
Anyway this summer a visitor commented on the poor state of one tree "is it dead", so I got the arboricultural consultant back to have a look at it and also the rest of the trees in the strip. The sick tree and the growth of the American oaks overshadowing the front flower bed and garage being the important things. Anyway he had a look took measurements and photographs and came back with the information the dead looking tree was not too bad just needed a tidy up to remove dead wood, the oaks could be crown raised and crown reduced and also that the Leylandii growing along the back should be removed as growth defects meant that they were likely to split and drop limbs onto neighbours property also they were too close together to grow well.
Permission applied for in late July, granted last week and I now have quote for work to be done by Christmas including the small amount of work on the Norway Spruce from last year.
This will give an eight to ten foot strip the length of the house.
Photos later.

 

Brilliant news, Nigel!

 

By coincidence, I’m looking into the possibility of buying a strip of land, beyond/adjacent to the end of my garden. Due diligence has led me into the possibility of cutting down some trees, as the land, especially at this time of year, is in permanent shade. To this end, I’ve contacted the council for advice/guidance. Apparently, one tree (an Oak) has a TPO. Fair enough. What I can’t quite my head around is that the rest of the trees which appear to have been planted in the garden (next to the apparent border) are being claimed as owned by the council? If the trees are indeed inside the border, can they (the council) stop you cutting down trees? I should add, the land is also adjacent to a playing field (council owned).

 

That's good news Nigel.

 

I think that's one for the solicitors; I would have thought your land your trees and unless there is a TPO on them you can have them down.

 

Are you buying the land off of the council @Freddy .

 

Hiya Nigel. Yes, I’d have thought so too.

 

Hiya Pete. No, this land belongs to a neighbour. At this point, I haven’t approached him, but the grapevine tells me that he’d be willing to sell. I’m reluctant to approach him at this stage, until I find out whether or not it would be suitable. Lots to consider, not least the possible cost of the land, and other costs, like surveyors/solicitors and land registry. First of all though, I need to find out if the said trees can be removed to allow light in.

 

Sounds odd that the council can own trees on private land, did the neighbour acquire it off the council originally with some kind of clause that the council retained ownership of the trees for some reason I wonder.
I think you might have to show your hand before you can get to the bottom of it.

 

Tree surgeons are arriving at 0900 hrs, in fact first bit of kit has rolled up.

 

Piccies yes of course.

 

Area before




The kit.
Cherry Picker retracted, being driven under remote control.


Cherry Picker in use can reach up 30 - 35 m


Cherry Picker base

Chipper can take up to 8 to 10 inch diameter branches

Picker Upper


So far oak tree crowns lifted and thinned, 5 of the cupressus removed completely and the remaining three are now bare trunks.
Tomorrow fell trunks, grind out stumps, clear site and tidy up.
There have been casualties, of course, hydrangea x nigra flattened (will probably recover), two rubus species seem to have disappeared may come back), ornamental vaccinium now a stump (probably won't come back), one bed full of Arum italicum, shade loving geraniums etc now a muddy patch the flattened Dianella will probably recover. Not sure how the Fritillaria melagris, snowdrops, Anemone blanda, A nemorosa and crocuses are going to do, spring will reveal. A few badly churned areas to be forked over.
After pictures to follow.