At the end of 2020 we were asked to look at a Monterey Cypress at Torcross. The tree was an iconic landmark overlooking the whole of Torcross and Slapton Sands.
5 years ago it had been heavily reduced by another firm. The intention was to reduce its windsail, as it was growing rather precariously at the edge of a steep slope, directly above the often busy main road to Dartmouth. In hindsight, the reduction was too much for the tree to cope with, and since then it had been in a steady decline.
If the tree had failed in high winds, it should have fallen across two gardens, but trees are inherently unpredictable, so public safety had to take priority over sentiment. Therefore the very difficult decision was taken to remove the tree.
Using a state-of-the-art narrow access MEWP (cherry picker) and specialist rigging equipment, the behemoth was carefully dismantled.
It was very much a bittersweet project. On one hand, it was immensely satisfying to tackle such a complex task, but on the other, it was a little gut wrenching to be taking down such an iconic, and once beautiful tree. However, public safety was priority one. The extent of the decay within one of the main trunks was quite shocking. Had it have been left for another season, a catastrophic failure would have been highly likely.
Nothing has gone to waste. The wood chip as been used at a local equestrian centre, and the logs will be heating many local homes next winter.
A passion for trees... 