Highgrove Conservation Area Highgrove Wolverhampton West Midlands
Dismantle upper crown, reducing tree to a structure of around 9?10m above ground level (4?5m above height of main fork). Excerpt from Survey:Particularly tall sycamore dominating the edge of the woodland, growing upon a steep embankment. The tree was previously densely clad in ivy whichhas been severed and stripped, allowing a more thorough inspection.For many years the tree has been subject to progressive crown lifting which has resulted in raising the centre of gravity of its crown. Old unoccludedpruning wound at approximately 8m on the development side.Old wire hawser and screw in bolt type single cable brace installed at around 13m above ground which appeared highly taut.On the north eastern side of the trunk base (approximately bearing of 600),there is a localised cluster of perfect stage burnt crust fungus (Kretzschmariadeusta) within a slight fissure that was previously obscured by ivy growth.At the time of inspection, leaves were only recently expanded. Although vigour appears reduced, there was no obvious significant dieback since theprevious assessment.A number of test drillings with a Resistograph were made around the base of the trunk to help ascertain the likely extent of internal decay. The first drilling D2 was made adjacent to the current fungal fruiting bodies at an approximate bearing of 600. This revealed extensive decay/cavity formation beyond 10cm. Drilling D3 was made into a slightly flared area of the trunk base at an approximate bearing of 1000 and revealed extensive decay beyond 18cm. Drilling D4 was made at an approximate bearing of 1500 and revealed extensive decay beyond 10cm penetration ahead of encountering a cavity triggering the auto needle retraction function of the drill. Test drilling D5 was made roughly due south at an approximate bearing of 1900. This revealed sound wood to a depth of 27cm and a cavity beyond. Drilling D6 was made at an approximate bearing of 2500 and showed advanced decay beyond 10cm, leading to...