From: Andrew Harris Sent: 22 May 2023 18:58 To: clerk@alderburyparishcouncil.gov.uk Subject: Re: Invitation to Quote for tree surgery in Alderbury Good evening Liz, Just following up from my visit to Oakwood Grove amenity area to assess the large Oak tree. For us to : Reduce the tree in height by 2/3. Provide an amount of partially rotted woodchip to be used for mulch. Remove all wood. Pile up woodchip from the tree Remove all unwanted waste and leave site tidy. The cost will be £3,990 + vat so in total will be £4,788 For us to do this job efficiently we will need to access the field with vans, trailers and plant machinery so there will be a degree of damage the the ground, we will do our very best to make sure that this is not too excessive, but you cant make an omelette without breaking a few eggs and I this case the omelette is huge. Also I would suggest that the job is to be undertaken towards the end of the year, ideally when the tree is dormant. This is so that the tree has the best chance to recover as possible. Where the tree is so large we will have to do it over the a couple days, so the earliest we could do is mid august, but again I suggest it us done October / November, but understand that it is a fairly pressing issue. I look forward to hearing back from you. All the very best Kern Andrew, Kern & Tanya @ The TreeMenders People Ltd www.treemenders.org.uk 01725 513 974 07971 649 362 On Monday, 15 May 2023 at 16:05:33 BST, clerk@alderburyparishcouncil.gov.uk wrote: Oak Tree in the Oakwood Grove amenity area in Alderbury (tree is at ///already.nerve.nurtures) Photo attached + map (marked oak 2) Following a PICUS sonic tomography inspection by Wessex Rural Crafts we have an oak tree which ”has extensive basal decay and is relatively tall and exposed. Prevailing winds would cause the tree to fall towards adjacent properties.” The recommendation for immediate action is: “Due to the extent of decay and the tree’s size and location, it is recommended that it is reduced in height by two thirds of its current height to best growth points available. The remaining lower crown should be retained unpruned, retaining as much photosynthetic material as possible. No inner growth should be removed.” The full report is attached. The height is estimated at 20m. This work has been cleared by Wiltshire Council’s Shane Verrion (attached). The report goes on to recommend “ A circular perimeter should be created to three metres beyond the dripline of the reduced tree and divided into eight approximately equal area octants. Alternate octants should be covered with cardboard. Partially rotted woodchip, ideally from oak, should be spread over the cardboard to a depth of 100mm but not be in contact with the tree’s bark. This is to attempt to promote tree health which will be compromised as a result of the remedial works. The mulching should be undertaken immediately following pruning and the remaining octants treated in the same way 24 months later. Mulch should be periodically topped up to the same specification, but without cardboard, as required.” We have a team of volunteers who will lay cardboard and mulch the tree immediately after the pruning. Please supply us with sufficient bark to fulfil this requirement. You should leave all woodchip on site piled to partially rot for the work needed 2 years later. Any other debris to be removed. There is pedestrian access off Southampton Road and equipment access from Oakwood Grove. In summary: Please quote for: * a 2/3 reduction in height of this tree * leaving woodchip piled on site * supplying sufficient partially rotted woodchip to fulfil the initial mulching requirement * remove all other debris It is important that you provide a time frame for when you can do this work which will influence the decision councillors make. We look forward to hearing from you before the end of the month. Liz Holland Clerk to Alderbury Parish Council clerk@alderburyparishcouncil.gov.uk 07922 424452 PO BOX 2366 Salisbury SP2 2NY www.alderburyparishcouncil.gov.uk