T1 late mature Sophora tree to rear of Dorchester Rectory. This tree was subject to sonic tomography testing during June 2017, three test locations at various heights up to 2.4m we carried out. Whilst hollowing was detected within the main stem the safety factor was sufficient, that no further action was required. This year during May 2023 the leaf flush was noticeably behind in the upper crown, which prompted a casual inspection. It was during this casual inspection that a notable crack emanating from a buttress root on the southern aspect, spiralling to western aspect where at approximately 2.0m above ground it stops at a branch of which the collar has been compromised. This crack appears fresh and is possibly a contributory factor to the late flush of the upper crown. It should be noted that the upper crown is beginning to come into leaf as of the first week in June. The crown itself is somewhat asymmetrical with a bias to the west, it is assumed high winds have caused the stem to split which has now compromised the tube that was the main supporting stem. Based on this it will now be difficult to determine the safety factor leaving no reasonable course of action other than to take further reduction of the risk. I propose creating a standing monolith as the main trunk has many ecological features worth retaining along with the fact the tree has some historical context within the site. Given the noted vitality of the lower crown there is some chance the tree will continue to grow for many years to come. Mature Japanese Pagoda Tree (Sophora japonica). Dismantle in sections to an appropriate height of approx 4.0m, leaving what supporting growth can be maintained along with habitat features such as the cavity at approx 2.5m.

Dorchester Rectory, 10 Manor Farm Road, Dorchester-on-Thames, OX10 7HZ