Heritage and Liability
West Sussex is home to some of the oldest Pedunculate Oaks (Quercus robur) in the UK. For owners of historic estates in Horsham or Petworth, these trees are heritage assets. However, they also represent a significant public liability if structural decay—often caused by fungi like Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)—goes unnoticed.
Navigating Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)
The majority of veteran Oaks in our region are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) or are located within Conservation Areas. Performing work without the correct BS3998 notifications can lead to massive fines. We act as your professional agent, handling all council liaison and planning applications for Chichester and Horsham district councils.
Conservation Pruning Techniques
We don't 'prune' veteran Oaks; we manage them. Our techniques focus on retrenchment pruning, which mimics the natural aging process to reduce the mechanical load on the trunk while stimulating fresh growth in the lower canopy.
AERIAL Safety Inspections
For trees over 200 years old, ground-level inspections are insufficient. We utilize aerial climbing inspections and Picus Sonic Tomography to map internal decay without damaging the tree. This allows us to make data-driven decisions on whether a limb needs removal or if it can be safely braced using modern Cobra cabling systems.
Require Expert Assistance in Surrey or Sussex?
If you suspect pathogen infection or require structural pruning managed under strict conservation guidelines, our local teams are instantly available for dispatch.