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Posted By: granny TREES - 9th Jun 2014 2:36pm
Yet another year has passed and not once have the trees on my road been pruned or lopped since I moved in during the year 2000. They are a complete and utter mess.
Branches of huge proportions which have leaf growth at the end of them. They are tangled up in telephone wires, which interfere with internet connections. They cause dark rooms during the summer months, when we are required and requested to save our energy on lighting etc. They have shoots coming out of the trunks at lower levels near the bases. All this plus more , BUT the one worry I carry is the effect and damage that can be caused should we have more severe weather, as forecast, to include storms on a par with those in 1987.

That year we lived in Suffolk , the trees where nowhere near the size of the ones now covering Wirral and yet the damage was indescribable. Even pictures do not show the effect of the full devastating damage, as most places were unable to access,nor did they capture even one tiny corner of the area that I lived in.

We were without power for over a week. That didn't matter. It is the insurance claims and most importantly the possible deaths and injuries that could be suffered.

It would be rather an improvement if Wirral Council, could for once, oversee the contractors who are making the decisions about these trees. They are so big now, they could land on the roofs of houses and kill anyone n their beds. Children and all. My next move will be this gentleman ,https://www.gov.uk/government/people/owen-paterson and I will ask his opinion on the matter.
I hope someone from Wirral Council sees this and puts a plan into action. Money or no money, the contractors are being paid for not doing a job. Life has far more value, and this is just a taster of what it was like.

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and one for good measure

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Posted By: davew3 Re: TREES - 9th Jun 2014 11:29pm
Sadly the tree huggers got their way and we now are living with the consequences, we have tunnels formed by trees and lights permanently on due to the light sensors being covered, you can't blame the council as they are probably pulled between using the money saved from cutting the trees and the tree huggers pulling on ones side and the need to cut them, it's the groups that have the power not the individual complaining, the worry is are we going to get lots of different tree diseases because of this stupidity.
Posted By: ludwigvan Re: TREES - 10th Jun 2014 7:23am
Be careful what you wish for Granny,the trees in Harley Avenue in Bebington were "trimmed" and as a result they look as though they have barely survived a nuclear explosion.
Posted By: fish5133 Re: TREES - 10th Jun 2014 8:54am
Bidston Avenue has had the tree surgeons scalpel and as Ludwig says it looks like a nuclear blast---but at least it lets in more light and less leaves in winter (which will save council money) Have you not seen the tree inspector -- unmistakable looks like a jewish rabbi or someone from ZZtop with his black bowler and beard. Saw him again recently on Thingwall Road looking skyward in the trees--- next for the chop?
Posted By: Gibbo Re: TREES - 10th Jun 2014 10:55am
That looks like a cut of paste of random storm pictures from around the UK / world with no dates to them.

How many are local, recent, and what evidence is there that the same thing will happen on the Wirral?

If you're not happy the tree cutters haven't been round since 2000, fair enough, but I don't think these pictures do anything to support your local case.
Posted By: Salmon Re: TREES - 10th Jun 2014 11:49am
Granny makes it clear that the pictures are from the storm of October 1987 .This hit a big area of the south of England stretching from Isle of Wight,up through Hampshire, Surrey, Greater London including London itself on out to Essex. I remember it well as we lived in South London.I got to work in the East End driving past devastation and huge trees down all over the place. Had I lived on the road behind ours I would not have made it as there were trees down all along it. No power for days in some areas.Michael Fish was adamant there was no storm brewing!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/w...-of-1987-what-happened-26-years-ago.html
Posted By: Gibbo Re: TREES - 10th Jun 2014 2:01pm
Exactly my point - the south east, almost 30 years ago.

It's comparing apples with oranges.

Which is why I asked - what evidence is there that the same thing will happen on the Wirral?

We had gales a few months ago and some trees went over across the region:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26152212

Its nature. You can't predict what will happen until it happens. Oxton lost one tree and its only when it went over did you see the roots were rotten. No amount of pruning would have saved it.

Posted By: granny Re: TREES - 10th Jun 2014 3:28pm
Originally Posted by Gibbo
Exactly my point - the south east, almost 30 years ago.

It's comparing apples with oranges.

Which is why I asked - what evidence is there that the same thing will happen on the Wirral?

We had gales a few months ago and some trees went over across the region:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26152212

Its nature. You can't predict what will happen until it happens. Oxton lost one tree and its only when it went over did you see the roots were rotten. No amount of pruning would have saved it.



What on earth are you talking about.....comparing apples with oranges? No, we can't predict what is likely to happen and strangely enough neither could Germany last night.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27776189

Gale force winds of 70mph in Oxton does not compare to 110mph across South East, East Anglia and South Coast in 1987. A rather large area.
My point is the trees are in such bad condition now, that should we have storm force winds of any greatness, there would be a huge possibility that many would come down , plus many of the dead branches (as they do now when the wind blows). If my road is taken into consideration, because of the height of them, they will either crash into the roofs on our side of the road, or squash the bungalows on the opposite side of the road. No getting away from it. Far too tall, they need lopping.
All those images I posted above are tagged with 'Great Storm 1987' and the last one was of Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk, which was not far away. Not only did the trees come crashing down, but they also crushed 50 head of deer in the process. Had it happened during the day rather than 5am when it hit Suffolk,there would have been many more casualties.

I'm not really sure what you are wanting to argue about but there is absolutely nothing to argue about.

Link nearly all tagged with 'Great Storm 1987'

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=g...DEQsAQ&biw=1093&bih=538#imgdii=_

.....plus the councils had to pay for the clear up operations, rather than the government.


Posted By: Snodvan Re: TREES - 10th Jun 2014 5:54pm
There is a roadside tree adjacent to my house. Beautiful flowering cherry. Was a big tree when I moved in 30 years ago but sadly it has suffered. Around 6 years ago a big - say 9" diameter - branch was lost in a gale. Last year it looked sick / sad and in March this year the tree-trimmers were in the area so I asked what could be done. They suggested a "damned good prune" may revitalise it.

Consequently mid March I went to the Council Walk-in, told them the story and what the tree-trimmer guys had said. The council guy took notes and entered everything on the computer/ gave me a print out etc etc and said the "Tree Inspector" would have a look. Whether he did or not I have no idea.

Now around 85% + of the tree seems to be dead. NO leaves or blossom this year, just on one branch with a few leaves/ blossom. Personally I think it needs more than just a good prune to try to bring things back too life. If it is dead/ dying then there are some really heavy branches and they are a potential danger to pedestrians, especially the mums/ kids
who park and walk there every day as the kids go to the local primary school. Annoying but not a danger are all the smaller branches that break off and scatter on my lawn whenever there is even a strong breeze.

I have no faith that there will be any council action

Snod
Posted By: Gibbo Re: TREES - 11th Jun 2014 9:19am
Originally Posted by granny
What on earth are you talking about.....comparing apples with oranges? No, we can't predict what is likely to happen and strangely enough neither could Germany last night.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27776189

Gale force winds of 70mph in Oxton does not compare to 110mph across South East, East Anglia and South Coast in 1987. A rather large area.
My point is the trees are in such bad condition now, that should we have storm force winds of any greatness, there would be a huge possibility that many would come down , plus many of the dead branches (as they do now when the wind blows). If my road is taken into consideration, because of the height of them, they will either crash into the roofs on our side of the road, or squash the bungalows on the opposite side of the road. No getting away from it. Far too tall, they need lopping.
All those images I posted above are tagged with 'Great Storm 1987' and the last one was of Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk, which was not far away. Not only did the trees come crashing down, but they also crushed 50 head of deer in the process. Had it happened during the day rather than 5am when it hit Suffolk,there would have been many more casualties.

I'm not really sure what you are wanting to argue about but there is absolutely nothing to argue about.

Link nearly all tagged with 'Great Storm 1987'

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=g...DEQsAQ&biw=1093&bih=538#imgdii=_

.....plus the councils had to pay for the clear up operations, rather than the government.




And like I said, these are decades ago or hundreds of miles away. You can't compare them to Wirral because the time scale, geography and weather patterns are different.

If you do want to try compare, then at least use the link I posted - its local (North West) and recent (February).

The trees you're talking about on your road can't have changed that much in just a few short months, did any fall down in February?

Your argument has no facts to it. Yes they "could" fall down "if" we had a 110 mph gale. You say a "huge possibility" and they are "far too tall" - are you a tree and weather expert?

I'm not trying to argue with you, just being devil's advocate. You're going to have to come up with better reasoning if you want action taking, the council are just going to say the same as me - that you're using irrelevant and out of date news stories.
Posted By: granny Re: TREES - 11th Jun 2014 9:28am
It might be 27 years ago, but my family who are probably younger than your are, remember it very well.

Try telling your opinion to the elements that create the wind and the weather, they might hear you better and attack in a different area to suit your opinion.

I have never heard so much shite, come out of one gob, in all my life.

As an add on, how would you know what the council are likely to approve or disapprove or what history there is ? Maybe you are a council employee .Probably are, so pass a message on please.
Posted By: derekdwc Re: TREES - 11th Jun 2014 10:18am
Boy scout motto - Be Prepared.
There are some large trees in Maryland Lane leanig towards the road.(it's also a bus route)
I think earlier this year during our gales a branch fell off and knocked down a fence on the other side of the road

Attached picture Maryland lane trees.jpg
Posted By: Moonstar Re: TREES - 11th Jun 2014 10:22am
Snod - cherry trees suffer from honey fungus and rarely recover.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/443723/How-to-spot-honey-fungus-and-what-to-do-about-it
Posted By: Anonymous Re: TREES - 11th Jun 2014 10:59am
Originally Posted by fish5133
Bidston Avenue has had the tree surgeons scalpel and as Ludwig says it looks like a nuclear blast---but at least it lets in more light and less leaves in winter (which will save council money) Have you not seen the tree inspector -- unmistakable looks like a jewish rabbi or someone from ZZtop with his black bowler and beard. Saw him again recently on Thingwall Road looking skyward in the trees--- next for the chop?


Sounds an interesting guy ! Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky (The Simpsons) maybe ??

Posted By: Gibbo Re: TREES - 11th Jun 2014 1:15pm
Originally Posted by granny
Try telling your opinion to the elements that create the wind and the weather, they might hear you better and attack in a different area to suit your opinion.

I have never heard so much shite, come out of one gob, in all my life.

Swearing and insults now, is that the best you can do? Pathetic.

I note you conveniently ignored the bit about the February gales in the North West. Wonder why that is? Because it invalidates your argument perhaps?

And no, I'm not a council employee, so that's something else you've got wrong.
Posted By: Snodvan Re: TREES - 11th Jun 2014 2:21pm
Originally Posted by Moonstar


Interesting
I have not seen any signs of fungus - but will be alert
I note the quoted article says that affected trees often have an extra-spectacular flower/ fruit display before they "die". THAT rings a bell. Before the tree went sick the blossom display in May was magnificent. We all commented on how much better it was than usual. THEN as the blossom fell so did the leaves ---- like autumn in late June. By the time real autumn came most of the leaves had already gone.

Snod
Posted By: granny Re: TREES - 13th Jun 2014 12:51pm
Originally Posted by Gibbo
Originally Posted by granny
Try telling your opinion to the elements that create the wind and the weather, they might hear you better and attack in a different area to suit your opinion.

I have never heard so much shite, come out of one gob, in all my life.

Swearing and insults now, is that the best you can do? Pathetic.

I note you conveniently ignored the bit about the February gales in the North West. Wonder why that is? Because it invalidates your argument perhaps?

And no, I'm not a council employee, so that's something else you've got wrong.


No, that is not the best I can do. The best I can do is make a public apology to you for using rather unpleasant descriptive words about you. I apologise for that, but it makes no difference to the issue in question. If 200 trees blow down in gales (the one in North West/Wirral was like a breeze here, i.e. if we are comparing oranges to apples) then there has to be a greater chance of trees being uprooted or severed in higher storm force winds, when the trees are top heavy,twice the height they should be and sitting in sodden ground.

Derekdwc could pick up on the message in question.
Better to be safe than sorry. The trees will have to be lopped at some time, the longer it's avoided, the greater the expense.

I shall still refer to you as Gobbo. grin
Posted By: Excoriator Re: TREES - 29th May 2015 5:31pm
One of the problems with trees is that when cables are laid next to them, they simply hack through the roots on that side as part of the trench digging. Trees are a similar shape to a wine glass. The roots don't go down much, they go out horizontally. Cutting them off on one side severely weakens them. Blame the cable companies, not the tree.

For myself, I prefer to look at trees more than houses and would be very happy to see more of them. If they DO fall on your house, the council will have to sort it out, so it is hardly a life-wrecking catastrophe. It is happily a very rare event anyway, although obviously it is very annoying for the householder when it happens.

Perhaps the solution would be to move a house in a road where there are no trees if it worries you so much?
Posted By: diggingdeeper Re: TREES - 29th May 2015 6:44pm
I think the biggest problem is that tree surgeons charge far too much. The council should employ their own tree surgeons again.

I look around and see many privately owned trees getting bigger and bigger, I know why, people just cannot afford the extortionate prices.

£500 for half a days work for two people is a joke.
Posted By: tankrat22 Re: TREES - 30th May 2015 8:16am
Hi diggindeeper, just reading the posts re Oak trees. We have a huge Oak tree in our back garden. Maybe 40-50 years old and a beautiful specimen.In 2012 I noticed a dead branch, which could possibly , with time become a bit dangerous, so I decided to get it lopped.I eventually found a Tree Surgeon, he was based in Moreton, he came out, had a look and asked me what and how much I wanted lopping.Anyway, he wanted £300.00, offered him £250, he and his Mate got kitted up, they had all the correct P.P.I. So off they went. They were here about 5 1/2 hours, + couple of mugs of tea. He had asked me, before he started if he could have the Timber,so not having a wood burner at the time, I agreed. Well I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, what an excellent job they did, both with the tree and their clearing up after themselves.Sorry I've been a bit long winded, but they did a fantastic job. My lovely Oak is thriving. My darlin Wife, (who never throws anything out found his Business card. Karl.D. Williams, Tree Care Specialist.0151 606 8842, his address is in Moreton.So if it's any. use to anyone, I shouldn't think you'd be disappointed. Regards Phil.c
Posted By: tankrat22 Re: TREES - 30th May 2015 8:19am
Hi diggindeeper, just reading the posts re Oak trees. We have a huge Oak tree in our back garden. Maybe 40-50 years old and a beautiful specimen.In 2012 I noticed a dead branch, which could possibly , with time become a bit dangerous, so I decided to get it lopped.I eventually found a Tree Surgeon, he was based in Moreton, he came out, had a look and asked me what and how much I wanted lopping.Anyway, he wanted £300.00, offered him £250, he and his Mate got kitted up, they had all the correct P.P.I. So off they went. They were here about 5 1/2 hours, + couple of mugs of tea. He had asked me, before he started if he could have the Timber,so not having a wood burner at the time, I agreed. Well I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, what an excellent job they did, both with the tree and their clearing up after themselves.Sorry I've been a bit long winded, but they did a fantastic job. My lovely Oak is thriving. My darlin Wife, (who never throws anything out found his Business card. Karl.D. Williams, Tree Care Specialist.0151 606 8842, his address is in Moreton.So if it's any. use to anyone, I shouldn't think you'd be disappointed. Regards Phil.c
Posted By: granny Re: TREES - 30th May 2015 9:07am
I have used Karl Williams on numerous occasions. He is brilliant and I know I can trust him to do a good job without any issues, but his reputation goes before him and he's extremely busy!
Neither will he cut down trees for no apparent good reason. He loves the trees.

The trees need to be managed to keep them healthy, just as a farmer has to manage his land, and my trees are in fine fettle.

The council trees are a different story altogether. Dead branches, poor leaf growth and last year they looked to have that disease 'Ash Dieback', which will see the end of them and a road full of trees ready for the slaughter. That can't be the way to manage trees, can it ??
Posted By: diggingdeeper Re: TREES - 30th May 2015 11:15am
Its the time they take that is often the con.

I had an awkward tree that was leaning over a fence at 45 degrees, it was about 25ft and about 100ft away from where a lorry could park. Tree was cut down, removed, and sawdust cleared from lawns (totally undamaged), all in less than 2 hours. I had had quotes up to £700 for that job and no doubt they would have been there a whole day at that price.

A company who works on a fixed price contract lopped 5 trees (two large, three medium) in less than five hours.

The Council trees had a company that wasn't pulling their weight running the contract for a few years, it will take a long time to catch up.
Posted By: arrroke Re: TREES - 30th May 2015 9:18pm
where in the Wirral do you live I was employed as a tree surgeon with Wirral council for twenty years but was made redundant in 2007 and have worked all over the Wirral dealing with tree complaints for the council this is for my record to see if you are telling the truth about how long your street has not being dealt with I am not sticking up for the council do not make any mistake about that
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