Cause
Following some unseasonably high winds in late August, we received an enquiry from Southwell Minster regarding a large Horse Chestnut tree situated within the Minster grounds in a prominent location with multiple targets, including a café, footpath, car park, gravestones, etc.
Damage
The tree had developed a large longitudinal fracture at the main fork, which was inspected on site by Maplebeck Tree Care and NSDC Tree Officer. The fracture was approximately 450 mm deep, with the upper crown opening in excess of 2m, indicating active movement. The structural wood to the south of the fracture showed a strong underlying fault. The limb was approximately 18m high with a basal diameter of approximately 1m. The likely targets are the disabled access route to St Mary’s Minster, the associated graves and the Cathedral shop and refectory, which seem to be in full-time occupancy. The probability of failure with no works was imminent, and as such, access to this area was restricted and only entered with extreme caution.
Solution
Due to the contentious nature of the site, we reduced the tree by approximately 30% all over and braced using a nonintrusive bracing system (Cobra) within the upper crown as an alternative to removal. We carried out additional minor works, which included a crown clean, removing deadwood >25mm diameter, diseased and crossing branches.
