Dangerous Roadside Ash Tree Felled at Tansley near Matlock
It always saddens us when we are called upon to fell an Ash tree, but that is what we recently employed to do at the side of a lane at Tansley near Matlock.
The common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is one of our most important and prolific native tree species. The species accounts for 12% of broadleaved woodland in Great Britain and is commonly found in parks, gardens and hedgerows.
An ash tree can grow in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions, fulfilling roles in a range of public spaces and ecosystem settings, whilst providing valuable habitat for a wide range of species. Ecologists have calculated that an ash tree can host around 955 different species of organism, of which 45 are believed to have only ever been found on ash.
Dealing With Ash Dieback
This particular mature ash was growing in a hedgerow alongside the lane. Like so many ash trees around the country, it had developed ash dieback disease. Ash dieback is caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (pronounced Hi-men-o-si-fus frax-in-e-us). Part of the fungus life cycle was formerly known as Chalara fraxinea, hence the disease also has the alternative names of chalara or chalara ash dieback.
The Diseased Tree was felled with a chainsaw allowing it to fall into a field.
Ash trees are infected in the summer by airborne spores from fruit bodies occurring on the central stalks of fallen leaves – moist conditions favour the production of fruit bodies. The infection leads to dead branches throughout the crown of the tree. Not all ash trees will die as a direct result of ash dieback infection but a tree may be weakened so it becomes susceptible to other pests or diseases, such as honey fungus.
It is important to point out that some trees will survive the infection. There is growing evidence that a small percentage of ash trees have the genetic makeup to be resistant to the disease. Ash trees which might still be looking healthy when all others which once surrounded them in the wood have died are now being studied to see if their seeds can be used as a basis for future replanting.
Whilst it, therefore, isn’t necessary to fell every ash tree which is showing signs of dieback, those showing signs of disease clearly create a risk to the passing public. This was the case with this particular ash tree in Tansley, which stood right by the roadside. The tree was likely to shed branches without warning or suddenly topple into the road during a winter storm.
Cutting Ash Tree Into Logs
In order to deal with this dangerous ash, our expert tree surgeons felled the tree using the traditional method of a chainsaw. There was a field behind the tree, meaning the ash could be cut and then fall back into the field. It was a straightforward job to do given the years of training and experience that our team members have.
Doug Porter cutting up the tree trunk and boughs
Once safely on the ground, the customer required the ash tree to be cut up and split into logs, a service which we are able to provide, as we have a mobile hydraulic log splitter which makes light work of an otherwise arduous task.
Get your Tree Work Done by Ascent
Do you Have an Ash tree that is showing signs of disease? Perhaps you need another type of Tree inspection? Whatever tree work you require, Ascent Tree Solutions can advise you on the best course of action. Contact us today.
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