So, how can you protect yourself and mitigate your
liability?
A simple tree inspection, carried out by property owners is
often over-looked, but could offer you a great insight into the general health
of your trees. By simply looking at the general condition of the stem, branches
and foliage can tell you more than enough to determine if a tree is healthy or
not.
The stem should not have any significant cracks, holes or
fungal growths. The branches should be free from damage and checked for dead
sections. The foliage should have a consistent colour, density and coverage
across the tree for the season.
But what are fungal growths, what do they look like and what
do they mean to your tree?
There are numerous fungi species in the UK, but the two
types below are the most common identified within gardens:
Honey Fungus - Attacks
the root system of trees. Look for white fungal growths between the bark and
the timber, near the base of the tree, with possible honey coloured toadstools
appearing in autumn. Affecting Birch, Beech, Holly and Willow to name a few.
Bracket Fungi are fan shaped growths which appear on the
exterior of the tree after developing internally within the heart wood. Less
common than honey fungus, they affect Ash, Beech, Walnut, Apple and Elm and
appear during spring, summer or autumn, but weakened trees may fail at any
time.
Internally, the tree
is rotting and may sound hollow when tapped with a mallet. Bracket fungi,
reproduces by releasing spores into the atmosphere which are transported by
wind to other potential host trees. If you do find and remove these brackets,
please keep one to assist your tree surgeon or inspector to determine the
health and extent of damage to the affected tree.
Prior to fungal growths appearing,
you may notice significant die back of branches and foliage, with occasional
branches falling from the tree acting as a prime indicator that the heart wood
has already failed. Unfortunately, this fungal disease will require the tree to
be removed to prevent injury or damage to property.
If you have any doubt with the condition
of your trees, you should contact your local tree surgeon and/or the local
council Tree Officer for advice and guidance. For a free no obligation quote
for all aspects of tree work in Lymm and surrounding areas call Tree Tamers on
07919544153 or email info@treetamers.co.uk.
More specific information regarding Fungi may be obtained on www.rhs.org.uk