Felling of a large beech tree subject to a tree preservation order at Highwoods on Haverhill Road in Stapleford.

Full Proposal

T1 - Large beech on the edge of the TPO protected wooded area at Highwoods - FellReason - The tree has pronounced edge-effect and a heavily asymmetrical crown. 2 large beech to the side of this tree were removed due to being dead but their presence had provided a screen from the wind. Removing them has changed the wind dynamic and the lateral force experienced by the tree. The vast majority of the crown is concentrated into the upper 3rd of the tree which gives a high centre of mass, shifting the centre of gravity out laterally away from the main stem and centre of root-mass, whilst increasing the turning moment exerted on the base of the tree during high winds. The long lateral limb combined with the 'flattened' crown form also increases the torsional force transferred to the stem during high winds, leading to the risk of a torsional fracture and stem failure. There are no appropriate reduction works which will overcome the extent of lean and associated risks, indeed a heavy reduction would leave large wounds which expose the tree to fungal infection and compromised timber strength.