Morning all.

I`ve got a large Beech (approx 30 - 35M), major decay in base, no sign of any fruiting bodies.
Also to compound the problem the local hooligans have decided to set fire to the cavity on a regular basis.
Investigations are underway to establish the extent of the decay but things do not look too rosey at the moment.

The quandry is....to prevent further damage by fire, the cavities need to be closed (fencing off the area is unfortunately not an option).
Also....what to use to close the cavities off ?

I know that there are many views (mostly conflicting) on this subject.
Obviously a tree of such stature deserves to be maintained for the longest time possible.

Cheers people

Eirion

Reply to post by Eirion, on June 29, 2000 at 05:51:44:

I'll assume you have assessed the tree as suitably stable enough to justify keeping it, and that it is worth the expense of working on it.

The problem will be fixing a ridgid barrier over the cavities. You could fill the entire internal area, or you can try a surface solution, one that bridges the cavity but doesn't fill the whole void.

I have worked with the urethane foams as fillers. They can be messy, but fill the space to provide a base for a solid cover. I've seen carpenter ants tunnel through the foam- probably like modular housing to them!

The surface will need to rigid enough to keep the vandals out and to withstand some flexing of the tree and new growth. Fiberglass materials such as auto body fillers can do a reasonable job, if there is sufficient support behind it. If you can't or don't want to fill the whole cavity, you will need a framework of some sort attached behind the cavity face to support the fiberglass.

You might need to give some thought to future access inside, to inspect the progress of decay, etc.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on June 29, 2000 at 05:51:44:

Cheers Russ. The stabiltity of the tree is still under investigation. The expense to maintain such a tree is one bridge I am going to have to cross when I get to it.
It is the largest tree of its type in that particular area and as such is the prominent landscape feature. There has been some underplanting of replacements but only i recent years (most of which have succumbed to either vandalism or strimmer damage - The same thing , I know)
The fact that there is no suitable replacement ready, only strenghtens the arguments for its maintenance.

I too have used builders foam in the past, with mixed results and I see your point about future inspection (a small pipe through the foam perhaps, to allow access for small camera).
Unfotunately the nature of the cavity and the access to it, rules out any internal framework. Going to have to play this one by ear I think.


"Important" - Any Uk Arborists reading this page : I have found (with a correct ID)"Asian Longhorn Beetle" in the Chester area. The Beetle was found near to my own home on Saturday 1st July 2000.
Is this the first spotting of this little sod, in the North West (hopefully its the first and last).


Eirion