13 Bridge Lane Ilkley West Yorkshire LS29 9HL

Proposal

The subject tree is a mature English oak (Quercus robur) located within a residential garden. The tree has historically been pollarded on at least one previous occasion. This past management practice is not considered appropriate for oak due to its limited ability to respond optimally to such heavy pruning; however, the tree has since produced multiple vigorous regrowth stems from the original pollard points. Over time, this regrowth has developed into elongated, end-weighted limbs, many of which now extend significantly beyond the original pollard framework. As a result, the tree exhibits numerous structural weaknesses, including poorly attached unions and potential failure points at the historic pollard heads where decay and included bark may be present. Additionally, the current crown spread is no longer suitable for the confined garden setting. Several regrowth stems now encroach upon and extend over nearby telephone infrastructure, increasing the risk of branch failure and service disruption. Proposed Works: It is proposed to undertake a reduction of the tree by means of re-pollarding, returning the crown to approximately the previous pollard points. This will involve the careful removal of the extended regrowth stems back to the established knuckles, thereby reducing end-weight and mitigating the risk of limb failure. While re-pollarding is not ideal for this species, the tree?s historical management has already established a pollard structure. Maintaining this cycle is considered the most pragmatic approach in this instance to manage risk, control size, and retain the tree within the available space. All works will be carried out in accordance with BS3998 (Tree Work ? Recommendations), ensuring that cuts are made appropriately to minimise further stress and to encourage as sustainable a regrowth response as possible.