Issues affecting veteran trees

The main threats are:

  • Felling
    • often veteran trees are assumed to be dangerous or simply dead.
  • Changes in land use
    • such as infrastructure development and some agricultural practices, which can lead to the compaction or damage of the root system.
  • Competition from surrounding trees
    • A sudden release from competing trees can shock trees and lead to substantial damage.
    • Gradual thinning around a veteran tree will provide a safe way to help competition.
  • Under-management
    • in the past, all ancient trees would have been managed, providing our ancestors with firewood for their homes, fodder and shelter for livestock and timber for buildings and ships.
    • Left unmanaged, branches may become too heavy for the trunk, putting them at risk in high winds.
    • Although, some management may not involve physical tree work and the trees might just need to be checked on a regular basis.

 

Canford school

Sweet Chestnut at
Canford School

 

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