This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Large ash tree in garden
We have a large ash tree (more than 20m in height) in our garden. It is about 20m from the back of our property. We’re not sure if it’s diseased and have been grated permission to fell (live in a conservation area). Before booking a tree surgeon I want to be sure it’s the right decision. I worry about the impact on wildlife. Is this tree too big for a garden?
0
Posts
In my area, I didn't see a single one that hadn't got the disease last year. I went over to the island of Mull and I didn't see a single tree that had it. Possibly there are some but I desperately hope that there isn't.
It would be a shame lose a tree which could provide shelter, nesting material and insects/food for wildlife.
How big is the garden @vickiscurtis?
That's a factor in the decision. They can certainly become too large for many domestic gardens, but you can also coppice them etc instead. A shame to take it out if it's healthy, and there's room for it. The worst problem is that they seed but it isn't a problem in grass as they get mowed.
As @steephill says - it might be worth replacing it with a more suitable sized tree - loads to choose from.
That other trunk isn't too attractive, so it could be worth getting rid of that. It wouldn't be hard to take down, and the stump could be left in situ which saves the cost of removal. The trunk could be chopped and stacked which benefits wildlife too.
It hasn't made it's way here @Uff, and there's loads of them everywhere round here, including some very attractive mature specimens, but I believe there's some die back over in the east side.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The chances of it falling and doing damage to your house are probably fairly small then, and it would only happen if it was damaged in some way already, and therefore weak.
Reducing the crown/pollarding is possibly the best solution.
Insurance companies are often the problem regarding trees too.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
One of the ones up the road from me on a misty autumn day in 2020
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...