Tree Fellas
a magnificent oak tree, growing on the railway bank outside our back garden fence in Guildford, has been "under threat" of tree fellas employed by the Railway. Beautiful tree, beloved by us all, bestowing family pleasure in summertime garden (see 2nd picture). Long story short : the tree fellas moved in this morning and lopped off 2 thick branches overhanging both our garden & our neighbour's garden! also the back branches at the other side, branches overhanging the railway line. They have now left for the day, but when asked we were told they would be back to remove the rest of the tree! that the whole tree will be taken down. (Picture below shows its current sad state).
Is there any chance it willI survive as an oak tree & regrow branches & ever look like a tree again? You can imagine how upset everyone is, as other trees amongst our neighbourhood have received similar treatment. But what's done is done now. We've been aware the Ivy isn't good for the tree & periodically take the chain saw to the ivy at ground level, to keep it down. Please, is there any advice anybody can give us apropos this tree, now? (I have a horrid feeling the authorities are going to leave the tree as it is, and not come back!) We feel we can't bear to look at it like this, & would prefer it if the Railway did come back & took the whole tree down. IF they dont, will the tree sprout more branches & continue growing, if we keep the Ivy regularly trimmed, do you think? We are at a loss any advice will be most welcome, "thankyou"
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The tree will definitely grow branches again. Trees are tough old things and can withstand a good beating! Id definitely try to remove all of the ivy as it may shade and kill the fresh shoots that will come this summer.
If the tree is being left exactly as it in in the images, I think it will be fine. Obviously it will take a number of years to look anywhere near as attractive as it once did...
But don't lose all hope! mother nature will take control!
The summer terrace from which we overlook the said oak tree
Lovely garden. What is that plant in a container in front of your shed? I could do with growing one like that.
it's a 7 year old rhododendron, Jenmifer.
Oh, I think that's the one by the window. I was looking at the one in front of the door, by the gate.
7 years eh, I wonder what will have happened to me by then!!!
Sits an Acer, Jennifer
Ivy rarely damages trees like oaks. Only if it gets into the crown of a small young tree.
I've never known a mature tree be damaged by ivy and it provides wonderful habitat for wildlife.
...and nectar in the autumn, and berries in the winter, both once it gets old enough.
What a shame to do that to a fine tree. They do say that an oak tree takes three hundred years to grow, three hundred years in maturity and three hundred years to die. Looks like that one is a teenager!
I want an oak tree planted on top of me when I shuffle off.
Branches will have been removed from both sides to keep the tree balanced. If only removed from the railway side there would be a very real risk of the tree falling into your garden at it grew.