T 1. Lime tree - Remove to ground level. This tree is very large and has a pronounced lean to the East. On the eastern side there is the boundary wall of the Manor House and just beyond that, and within the potential target area, a driveway and neighbouring property. The ground/soil around the base of the tree is raised in relation to ground levels some meters distant which suggest soil levels around the base of the tree have been altered during the life of the tree. The ground immediately west of the tree base is particularly raised indicating that this tree may have heaved at some point (hence the pronounced lean to the east) and subsequently resettled. Further examination of the buttress area shows that the largest visible buttress root extended on the western side of the tree base has a long section (over 1 meter) of bark missing and the wood beneath is visible and altered by its exposure to the elements. This linear strip of missing bark extends up the stem by a further meter. A probe was used to investigate the integrity of the stem between the buttress roots. Immediately adjacent to the buttress with the missing bark the bark of the stem becomes included between buttress roots. This inclusion can be penetrated with a probe to a depth of 30 cms indicating the presence of decay at this point on the Western section of the base of the tree. In conclusion, it is apparent that the buttress zone/ stem base on the Western side is compromised. The weight and sail area acting in conjunction with the pronounced westerly lean means that there is a foreseeable risk that this tree could become windblown. In addition, the predominant winds can be expected to blow from a westerly or southerly direction which further exacerbates the risk. If windthrow were to occur the damage would be serious and there is a risk to persons occupying the properties to the East of the tree. There are several photos that accompany this notice which illustrate the points made here.

The Manor House, Thame Road, Great Haseley, OX44 7JY