A Sitrep
Well, a tree surgeon (thanks, Joy!) came to look at the trees and was sort of shocked to see them planted in such a small garden and so close to the bungalow. He was able to identify two of them - an ash tree (final height reaching 100 - 130 feet and spread of 40 - 65 feet), and a mountain ash (final height reaching 33 - 50 feet and spread of 13 - 26 feet). Although it will take years for them to achieve their maximum height and spread, it's best to get them out now before they grow to a size where they can damage the foundations. The mountain ash is the tree I chose to follow this year, so I need to find a new candidate!
He was unable to identify the third tree, but also spotted another ash tree seedling that's self seeded on the other side of the garden. On close inspection it is obvious that the trees have been regularly clipped to keep them as small as possible but it is time for them to come out. He'll remove the trees and the stumps. At the same time, he will remove the remaining box stumps, and also clear the trees from my side of the stream bank and the ones planted my side of the border but within the area where planting of trees is prohibited according to the deeds of the property.
He's given me a good discount for having all the work done in one go, so I am going ahead as soon as he can fit the work in. It will have a knock-on effect on some of the other work - I think the kitchen will be delayed by a few weeks so that I can afford this unplanned cost - but I'd rather get it over and done with now, so that I have a blank canvas when planning the garden.
The ceilings are nearly finished. The last room, the living room, was going to be skimmed tomorrow but the plasterer is ill so has cancelled. It's a bit up in the air because I don't know when he will be back at work, hopefully not too long, as that will have a knock-on effect to the electric and gas works.
I found the documents I needed and have made the initial enquiry for a heating grant. I qualify at this stage, but the initial form didn't ask for many details so I'm not getting too excited just yet. I'm now waiting for someone to contact me to discuss my claim ... fingers crossed!
Sounds like you'll have a lot of work done on your garden in the near future!
ReplyDeleteIt's booked in for April 23rd, so not long to wait. xx
DeleteAt the bottom of our garden we have a low fence, the neighbour who backs on to us has a high hedge giving privacy, well he did until two weeks ago when an Alleged tree surgeon came a chopped the hedge down and took lots of my holly off too leaving us completely overlooked.
ReplyDeleteAfter much discussion with said neighbour we agreed to put in a 6 foot fence. Luckily my partner did the work but it was a very difficult job for him, he is not a natural fence installer. The end result is we now have privacy again and the fence looks okay. Other people and their ideas! We planted a flowering cherry tree far too near our house so it is now a shrub but I do worry about the roots.
Oh no! I hope my tree surgeon will do a better job than your neighbour's one did. That's really bad, especially adding in the expense of a new fence and your partner's time and effort.
DeleteI do plan to plant another tree or two, but away from the house and of an appropriate size so I don't have to worry about the roots affecting the foundations. xx
Eileen, I am sure that your tree surgeon will be professional and not a cowboy like our neighbour employed. He had a young lad who was sent up the neighbours oak tree, no safety equipment on at all. Just climbed up a 60 year old oak tree to the top. We were worried for his safety but the cowboy foreman didn't seem to care, just hacked away at bushes. You guy will be better, I am sure, I hope I didn't worry you.Carole R.
ReplyDelete