45 Braddons Hill Road East Torquay TQ1 1HB

Proposal

T1 Horse Chestnut - To prune back remove large primary stem showing significant signs of deterioration with a decline in vitality, bark/cambial die back and dead wood, back to main union divide. Reason: The horse chestnut is in a visible state of decline and exhibits significant physiological and structural defects, including extensive cambial dieback, visible stem cankers, and evidence of internal decay within the stem being removed. The lose of leaf within the crown compared to adjacent stem potentially indicates a progressive deterioration of the tree's vascular and structural integrity, reducing its ability to compartmentalise the main stem deadwood/decay wounds potentially affecting the stems stability. The presence of decay within the stem to be removed, combined with active canker lesions and declining vitality, increases the risk of stem failure and branch loss on the southern side of the tree. Given the extent of the defects and the potential risk posed to home owner and property, removal of the stem identified is considered both valid and the most appropriate management option.