| Conditions / Reason for Refusal: |
Officer Report:
When examining this application, the Ash tree that stands as shown within the submitted details has been identified as possibly having Ash die back (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus). During my site visit, it was clear to see that the tree is indeed showing signs of this fungal infection. Image one below shows the tree in its current state.
Image 1
In image one the branching pattern shows a bushy and lumpy accumulation in the periphery of the crown. This accumulation causes summer and winter bushy crown structures and greater gaps throughout the crown. Airspace between the spears is not completely filled by leaves and twigs, and the crown has a spiky outline. Inside the crown, the branching pattern, and hence the foliage, is quite dense. A significant amount of deadwood/dieback is present throughout the crown of the tree.
The images below show the 4 stages of Ash die back.
This tree falls in the 50% dieback category. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Ash die back. The trees condition will continue to decline, the deadwood/dieback will become more prominent through the crown of the tree and the likely hood of partial failure will increase, possibly causing injury or harm. As such, there are no objections to the proposed works.
Conditions:
1. All tree works shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard 3998: 2010 and shall not exceed the works as described in the officer report above.
2. Please note the authorised works should be completed within 2 years of the decision notice otherwise a new application for consent to carry out any non-exempt tree work will be required.
|
