Mayfield Meadow Road Torquay TQ2 6PR
T1 is a mature Monterey Pine (pinus radiata) which is growing adjacent to the boundary between Thornhill Cottage and Mayfield. The tree trunk is within the garden of Thornhill Cottage but the crown overhangs both the gardens of Mayfield and Thornhill Cottage, as seen on the attached plan. Branch unions appear good and the parts of the main stem which could be inspected from Mayfield appear sound. However, one large large lower limb has suffered a compression failure in storm force winds, and there is a fracture across it and associated cavity which is ~25 cm deep. An aerial inspection confirmed the extent of the split. It is proposed to remove this branch (back to the main stem) to remove risk of branch failure in further high winds. In addition, there is evidence of decline and shoot dieback in parts of the crown, and the tree regularly sheds cones into Mayfield's garden during hot or windy conditions. It is proposed to remove crown deadwood, pruning each dead branch back to a healthy growing point, and to remove cones where these are attached poorly and at risk of falling onto people or property underneath causing injury or death. This tree has suffered previous cracks and splits in large branches and has had previous remedial works carried out. This sensitive intervention now continues work to ensure that this tree which is of significance in the conservation area landscape can continue to be enjoyed safely in the winter to come.