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Originally Posted by TreeSpecialist  Tree to Ground Guying is possible but should be designed by a consulting structural engineer to minimize your liability.
First you should probably advise (in writing) the removal of the tree and acknowledge receipt of such advice. You might also get the homeowner to sign something to waive any of your responsibility should the tree fail.
Tree to Ground Anchor should weigh as much as the tree (engineer's CYA - you can guesstimate the weight - use Sherrill's chart). This involves drilling and filling a large hole with a great deal of concrete and steel. The cables would then be attached to the anchor.
From the pictures, you should use at least 3 anchors to do it right.
The cost could run as much as $2500 per anchor.
Picture attaches is an oak I did 2 years ago where 70% of the roots were severed on a live oak no one wanted to loose. |
doing a good assessment on that tree is pretty difficult because we need to see a lot more of the surroundings. Judging on this picture alone, I'd say that the anchor point is at least 45 degrees off the position where it should be.
Do realize that it could even be up to 120 degrees if I see more pics of the surroundings. Tree cabling should not be done by structural engineers, it should be done by certified arbs. Don't do an assessment on cabling when you don't feel like taking responsability for it. I'll take responsability gladly for everything I do concerning trees. That's what sets us apart as tree-specialists.
Treelore...
I'd like you to asses a tree for me I've been following for the past 6 years.
Does this tree need bracing? Yes or no? Based on what?
What I want from you is actual figures on how you should install bracing and what type of bracing you'd use and why. Where would you install the bracing and why?
What sort of tools would you use for the assessment and based on what facts?
There is no way you are gonne get a license to take it down, but why would you want to think about taking it down in the first place?
Is there any reason why you would investigate further?
facts are...
Fagus Sylvatica DBH 108 cm's
Height 26 meters.
leaning angle: exactly vertical... 90 degrees.
Crown spread: 12 meters with a 50/50 spread on each side.
Location: In the middle of a park. right next to a walkway where there is frequent traffic of groups up to 300 people whom are 95% formed out of elderly or sick people. These large groups do tend to visit only from may up to august or september. Also other protected trees and historically protected constructions in the possible target area. On the opposite side is a trench about 10 meters wide and 6 meters deep, but do keep in mind that this trench has been there for the last 450 years and no excavations where done recently. The trench has a 60 to 75 degree slope on the sides and the soil is not compacted and allows proper penetration of air and moisture. The walkway has been there for over 150 years without restoration and it does allow penetration of air and moisture. There is no heavy traffic allowed in the vicinity of the tree other then a small landscapers tractor (wich has lawn tires) of about 800 kg's wich rides on the walkway at least 10 times a year. So there was never any severe soil compaction.
Surrounded by similar trees of the same height and higher so windfall is not likely since the tree is protected from it.
Standing tall with a gaping hole in it for the last 30 years. The cavity does exceed VTA standards of the 30% sound wood rule. Other cavity's have been measured and are well within 30% loss of sound wood of the diameter
No fruiting bodies whatsoever to be seen. Nore are there (except for one Quercus Rubra) on any of the surrounding trees within a 250 meter radius. (I know because I've checked them all...)
The tree appears to be healthy and there's normal foliage and seed production in the season. No early leaf-loss and the crown is free of structural damage or structural hazards. No pruning took place in the last 25 years. Other then the hole on a height of about 10 meters up the stem appears to be intact. Roots located under the walkway have been exposed very carefully by me about two years ago and they show no severe damage or decay. No roots have been cut in the last 50 years. Can't say anything about before that period because no-one seems to remember. Here are some pics of the assessment I've done....As soon as I have your professional oppinion, I'll give you mine....