Mature Beech tree (T1) - historically a pollard that has lapsed back into a full-grown tree. Stems that originate from pollards points are generally not as secure as stems that have formed naturally, which allows the grain to be optimised. Given the size of the tree and numerous storm events the tree had been subjected to, it is reasonable to assume the structure is sound. In more recent years the tree has been subject to topping, where only the upright growth was removed poorly, this practice can have an adverse effect on the treeâ¿¿s growth. Topping leads to the growth hormones that are in the apical tips being chaotically distributed as the tree goes into panic growth. The tree will adversely react by throwing its resources into restoring its lost growth and none into defence. Cavitation will ensue as the tree has been pruned inappropriately leading to excess oxygen getting into the vascular system which can provide the condition required for hostile fungi to develop. As the tree will not prioritise defence, the structure can become weaker. I had been requested to provide a quote for crown management at Hazel Shaw for crown management by the new owners on the 19th of September, I am familiar with this tree as I drive past regularly. Around 2015 the tree was topped. Upon closer inspection it appears the tree has been historically pollarded. The client felt obliged to manage the crown for the neighbour who has raised complaints regarding trespass, I had informed the client of his obligations and limitations of crown management for Beech. Of concern was the emerging fungi at the root plate, I had looked at this with my colleague and we both believe this to be Meripilus giganteus. On inspection I noted at ground level within the lawn rough 1m out from the buttress on a surface root a juvenile fungal body, this had been hit by a lawn mower-see image 6727, I carefully looked around the root collar and other exposed surface roots but could see no further fungal bodies. I informed the client that I should return in a few weeks to make positive identification as my feel was this could me Meripilus. I returned in 2 weeks to find 5 other further fruiting bodies at various points around a full 360 degrees, these were on the root plate some 1m out from the collar, within folds of the buttresses and directly on buttresses, there is also a significant amount of leaf litter present so I could not rule out further sites. On balance given the location I feel the risk is not tolerable and that further investigation of Meripilus is problematic. T1. Mature Beech a. Dismantle tree in sections, felling close to ground level T2. Indian Bean Tree a. Reduce x 4 laterals with noted defects by up to 1.5m to suitable growth point.

Hazel Shaw, Road Between Whitehall Lane And Judges Road, Checkendon, RG8 0SX