Mulberry Cottage Croft Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire East, WA16 8QH

Proposal

The exceptionally wet winter and subsequent dry conditions have led to considerable growth on many branches of our oak trees on our boundary with Croft Lane. The weight of foliage and acorns at the end of the branches caused substantially sized branches to break off in Tree 1. An inspection of the extensive canopy of Tree 2 pointed to similar weaknesses at the junctions of the branches some of which overhang the roadway. Request permission to carry out the following maintenance work to protect and sustain viability of the trees. Tree 1. Oak Damage occurred in the recent high winds. The weight of foliage and acorns at the end of the branch caused it to break off at its junction with the main limb. In falling it brought down a lower limb. Remedial action. To cut back damaged main limb to make it safe as it is overhanging Croft Lane. Husbandry: pruning of crown to maintain tree and prevent loss of further limbs: prune 1 -1.5 m. Tree 2 Oak Husbandry: pruning of crown (1-1.5m off lateral branches) to maintain canopy and to prevent loss of limbs due to leverage. Also, crown lift to ensure safety in Croft Lane where overhang is causing problems for high vehicles. Tree 3 Hedgerow Oak The main stem is misshapen with the top section at right angles causing it to overhang Croft Lane. Request to remove top section by up to a third. Tree 4 Holly in a group of three Request to fell or reduce height of Tree 4 by amount determined by CEC’s tree officer to prevent further leaning of the main trunk and free TPO tree from holly intrusion. Reduce canopy of other hollies by one-third and reshape