Rear T1 Tree of Heaven x 1 (Ailanthus altissima)Following a recent limb failure and aerial inspection, the tree has been found to contain multiple cavities, deadwood, failed cable bracing, crossing limbs, and several included unions, together with declining historic pollard points. Due to its condition and its location within a busy public garden, we recommend carrying out a heavy crown reduction beyond the previous pollard points. This will reduce the load on the weakened structure and lower the risk of further branch failure while retaining the tree.Suggested work:Carry out a heavy crown reduction by reducing the scaffold framework approximately 4?6 metres below the existing pollard points to create a new pollard framework. This will remove the majority of the compromised upper crown, including defective unions, declining pollard heads, crossing limbs and deadwood, while significantly reducing end weight and wind loading on the remaining structure. The reduction will also provide the tree with the opportunity to establish a new cycle of vigorous regrowth from lower, more structurally suitable points, allowing the tree to be retained and managed safely through future cyclical pollarding.

St Pauls Church Bedford Street London WC2E 9ED