The tree is a Norway Spruce. It is dead. The tree has had a thick rope tied round its trunk for several years by unknown previous occupants of Dale Fields. This rope has completely cut through the bark all round the trunk 1m from ground level: in effect, it has been ring-barked. There are no signs of life above or below this damage: no shoots, no sprouts. All the needles have been shed. The tree is located approximately 4m of the public highway and within 1.5m of public access routes to Dale Fields and neighbouring Dale Farm. As it becomes more brittle and structurally unsound over time it will lose branches and possibly fall over. In addition, its sad, brown, dead state does not contribute to the historic or current quality of Grindon Conservation area. If it were in a safer location it could be felled and left to decay naturally, but I feel removal is necessary. Replacement would both enhance scope for biodiversity and the aesthetics of the site. I am happy to plant a... read more

Dale Fields, Weags Bridge Road, Grindon, ST13 7TP