On 21/12/24 and without warning the largest bough on a huge Cedar tree TPO number T13 snapped clean from the trunk and fell to the ground…

Official description

On 21/12/24 and without warning the largest bough on a huge Cedar tree TPO number T13 snapped clean from the trunk and fell to the ground. Demolishing a garden shed and fencing on and beyond my property and a small wall as it did so. RBC agreed immediately that removal of this bough was a priority and assured me I did not need permission. Using an arborist from a list provided (Gavin Hobson) the bough was lifted using a hoists and cut up on site. The removal and subsequent repairs to property led to an Insurance claim of circa 6,000. More importantly- if anyone had been in the shed at the time they would have been killed. Pictures of the damage are available. When remedial work was complete, I asked Mr. Hobson for advice on making the tree safe in order to avoid a similar accident. His recommendation was as follows: " my suggestion(s) would be to remove all deadwood from the crown of the cedar tree as well as thinning the crown of the tree by 10% on the outer extremities this would include the removal of any defect branches & crossing branches. This would reduce some of the weight on the branches. It would also hopefully allow wind to pass through the tree reducing the sail effect that can occur. I have also attached a screen shot of the arb association description of crown thinning which is the governing body for trees in the uk If you let me know your thoughts I can get a quote over to you asap." We agreed that we would wait (as per regulations) until all bird nesting had ceased and avian activity was at a minimum before applying to commence work. That time is now, before winter storms see any repetition. Regardless of the quotation (not yet agreed) I wish to proceed with the application and if use Mr. Hobson again as he knows the layout, knows the tree and his work was first class.