The Lodge Pontlands Park West Hanningfield Road Great Baddow Chelmsford CM2 8HR

Proposal

T6 - Oak - Reduce crown by 2 metres in height and 2 metres in lateral spread, targeting suitable live growth points throughout the crown. Reason - The proposed works are recommended following inspection.The main stem forks at approximately 6 metres, with both stems above the fork structurally compromised due to historic tear-out wounds. These defects create potential structural weakness within the upper crown. The tree is located adjacent to a very busy driveway, and the current crown structure presents a potential risk to vehicles and site users. The proposed crown reduction will reduce end weight and wind loading on the compromised stems, improving the structural stability of the tree while retaining it as a valuable landscape feature. T14 - Sweet Gum - Reduce crown by approximately 2.5-3 metres in height and lateral spread, pruning back to suitable live growth points throughout the crown. Reason - A decay fungi bracket is present on the east side of the stem at ground level, and further internal decay assessment confirmed extensive decay on the north-east side of the stem, with decay having breached functional wood and reduced the trees structural load-bearing capacity. The tree exhibits a slight lean and weight bias toward the north, while the south-west buttress root appears structurally sound, partially mitigating risk. However, there are clear targets within falling distance of the tree, including a seating area directly beneath the crown and a building located within the crown spread. Reduction of sail area and loading on the compromised stem, mitigating risk while allowing the retention of the tree.