Ivy covered tree

Our next door neighbour has a hawthorn tree which was totally smothered in ivy and the ivy was escaping all over our car port roof. We talked to him about it, we are friends, and he cut off as much as he could. We cut off and removed what was on our side. Some of the tree was dead. That was 2 years ago. The ivy that we couldn't reach has died and is gradually falling off. The tree is slowly recovering and looks much better. I'm sure the tree is happier and will live longer. There are plenty of other places in our gardens for birds and wild life.

 

I would specifically request confirmation from your household insurance provider that you have third party cover if the encumbered tree should fail/fall , given the proximity to the church carpark. This may result in engaging a qualified aborist to survey the tree(s) and you should respect his opinion.
Clearly , given that you are within a Conservation area, any reduction or removal of trees will require planning consent; a process that will inhibit immediate action , and therefore should be considered sooner rather than later.
Recent storms may already have 'stress tested' the tree, however many trees that fall in storms have ivy. Often its the load of ivy that supports the tree (!) until so loaded by a strong storm. Every year the ivy load increases, both in density and wind resistance;every year the probability of calamity grows.