Oakdown Lockhams Road Curdridge Southampton Hampshire SO32 2BD

Proposal

T1 Lime, Reduce the first south-western branch by selectively pruning the secondary and tertiary branch structure, with stem diameter cuts not exceeding 30mm, to provide approximately 3 metres clearance from the building. T2 Macrocarpa, first and second southwestern branch to reduce by up to 4m, 12m to no less than 8m, allowing a 3m building clearance and reducing the overextended weight from the branch. T4 Lime sp. Reduce the height of the mature Lime tree by approximately 5 metres, from approximately 20 metres to a finished height of no less than 15 metres. Reduce the lateral spread of the crown on the south, west and north aspects by approximately 3?4 metres, pruning back to suitable growth points to achieve a balanced, natural crown form and reduce wind loading. Remove the first two south-eastern scaffold branches back to their points of origin (source stem approximately 55 mm diameter) to improve crown structure and reduce end-weight. T3 Macrocarpa. Dismantle and fell the mature Macrocarpa to 3m. Reason for Works The tree is approximately 25 metres in height and has developed in a prolonged suppression environment, being closely confined between a larger Macrocarpa and a mature Lime tree. Competition for light has resulted in a relatively slender stem supporting a disproportionately weighted upper crown. The main stem exhibits evidence of early growth stress, with a pronounced spiral grain and twisted bark visible from approximately 2m above ground level, indicating torsional loading within the stem. In addition, a significant longitudinal stress fracture is present on the northern aspect of the main stem at approximately 6m above ground level. The defect extends for approximately 2 metres, with pronounced zig-zag bark cracking, indicating movement and the potential for progressive structural failure. The combination of the tree's suppressed form, slender stem, top heavy crown loading and the presence of an active longitudinal stem defect and spira