A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

We've been emphatic throughout that we want the work done properly to
ensure the best chance that the tree survives the work.

They've brought somebody round to look at the tree to give them a
quote. His business card included tree lopping and tree pruning, but
also other more general jobs, so he's doesn't seem a specialist tree
surgeon.

He has told our neighbours that he can start work next week. However,
I thought that it was a bad idea to do major work on horse chestnuts
this early in the year on account of them being especially sappy at
this time which tended to exacerbate bug infections post tree
maintenance.

Can anyone confirm whether that's correct? If so, it sounds like the
man who has quoted our neighbours is either unknowledgeable about tree
work, or unscrupulous as to the health of the tree.

Thanks.

"James Hunt" wrote in message
...
A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

We've been emphatic throughout that we want the work done properly to
ensure the best chance that the tree survives the work.

They've brought somebody round to look at the tree to give them a
quote. His business card included tree lopping and tree pruning, but
also other more general jobs, so he's doesn't seem a specialist tree
surgeon.

He has told our neighbours that he can start work next week. However,
I thought that it was a bad idea to do major work on horse chestnuts
this early in the year on account of them being especially sappy at
this time which tended to exacerbate bug infections post tree
maintenance.

Can anyone confirm whether that's correct? If so, it sounds like the
man who has quoted our neighbours is either unknowledgeable about tree
work, or unscrupulous as to the health of the tree.

Thanks.


Have you ever seen a Horse Chestnut that has had the treatment you are
talking about?

No?

Didn't think you had.

To hack such a tree about is the end of it.

Leave it.

OR

Fell it ...................... AFTER the Birds have finished nesting, but a
proper tree surgeon would have told your neighbour that.

My daughter and son in law have two massive Horse Chestnuts in their grounds
and they both need OUT we are afraid.

Mike


--

....................................

I'm an Angel, honest ! The horns are there just to keep the halo straight.

....................................

On 05/07/2012 06:00 PM, Sacha wrote:
On 2012-05-07 16:35:02 +0100, James Hunt said:
[]
He has told our neighbours that he can start work next week. However,
I thought that it was a bad idea to do major work on horse chestnuts
this early in the year on account of them being especially sappy at
this time which tended to exacerbate bug infections post tree
maintenance.

Can anyone confirm whether that's correct? If so, it sounds like the
man who has quoted our neighbours is either unknowledgeable about tree
work, or unscrupulous as to the health of the tree.

Thanks.

This may help you
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...netrees1.shtml
http://www.tree-care.info/ask/read.php?2,1881,1883
This site gives specific times to avoid and times in which to prune.

I would certainly check there isn't a TPO on the tree but if there
isn't, the enquiry may result in one being slapped on it, so you have to
be aware of that! It is the wrong time of year to be pruning or
cutting back but apart from that, your neighbour and this tree man
should be thinking of birds that may be nesting in it. In your
situation, I would insist on a proper tree surgeon. I have a nasty
feeling this is going to look a mess if it's not done properly because
you're dealing with a mature tree. Anyone wielding a chainsaw can have
a card printed suggesting they do such work but not everyone can do it
well. It takes an hour to wreck a tree which won't recover and decades
for one to grow. Insist on a tree surgeon who is properly trained. If
this man says he can do it next week I wouldn't employ him.

Yes, this is too early. Better to wait until just after leaf drop,
though some prefer summer. Only emergency pruning should be performed now.

The fellow ought know that if he's qualified, ergo he isn't.

-E

On May 7, 4:35*pm, James Hunt wrote:
A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

We've been emphatic throughout that we want the work done properly to
ensure the best chance that the tree survives the work.

They've brought somebody round to look at the tree to give them a
quote. His business card included tree lopping and tree pruning, but
also other more general jobs, so he's doesn't seem a specialist tree
surgeon.

He has told our neighbours that he can start work next week. However,
I thought that it was a bad idea to do major work on horse chestnuts
this early in the year on account of them being especially sappy at
this time which tended to exacerbate bug infections post tree
maintenance.

Can anyone confirm whether that's correct? If so, it sounds like the
man who has quoted our neighbours is either unknowledgeable about tree
work, or unscrupulous as to the health of the tree.

Thanks.

Tree Preservation Orders. You need to find out if there is one.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/docume.../tposguide.pdf

"James Hunt" wrote in message
...
A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

We've been emphatic throughout that we want the work done properly to
ensure the best chance that the tree survives the work.
snippy

My local Council prune/pollard trees here between Jan and March. I've
watched them work and chatted to the men who are all extremely competent. I
wouldn't touch the tree until at least the autumn. You need to employ a
fully qualified aborealist.....below from an advert..

a.. Public liability/ Professional indemnity insurance
a.. Professionally & NPTC qualified
a.. Works conform to BS 3998 & BS 5837


I hope you can persuade your neighbour to behave responsibly

Pete C

"James Hunt" wrote in message
...
A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

Insist on seeing the contractor's certificate of insurance for chainsaw
work... before agreeing the contract. If he is a trained and qualified
professional he will expect to be asked and be pleased to show it. If he
hasn't got one don't employ him.

Janet

On May 8, 12:46*am, Janet wrote:
"James Hunt" wrote in message
...
A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

*Insist on seeing the contractor's certificate of insurance for chainsaw
work... before agreeing the contract. If he is a trained and qualified
professional he will expect to be asked and be pleased to show it. If he
hasn't got one don't employ him.

* Janet

This is a reply to all comments thus far. Firstly thank you for yuor
feedback.

Secondly, as to my situation, we'll be pressing for a proper tree
surgeon (that we have used before). I think this feedback is enough to
halt my neighbour's plans.

On May 8, 1:05*am, James Hunt wrote:
On May 8, 12:46*am, Janet wrote:

"James Hunt" wrote in message
....
A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

*Insist on seeing the contractor's certificate of insurance for chainsaw
work... before agreeing the contract. If he is a trained and qualified
professional he will expect to be asked and be pleased to show it. If he
hasn't got one don't employ him.

* Janet

This is a reply to all comments thus far. Firstly thank you for yuor
feedback.

Secondly, as to my situation, we'll be pressing for a proper tree
surgeon (that we have used before). I think this feedback is enough to
halt my neighbour's plans.

I ought to say though, please do reply if you feel you have any
relevant info - I still would like everyone's opinion as to pruning
horse chestnuts at this time of year..

Thanks.

The bird nesting point is important - it is an offence under the wildlife legislation to disturb a birds nest, and that includes "recklessly", ie accidentally because you were heedless of the time of year that you were doing it. And if you come across a nest, either occupied or being built, you have to stop work.

My neighbour has two old horse chestnuts which have been cut back, so that they're about twice the height of the adjacent cottages. It's a few years since they were last done, and they're looking very attractive - normal shape, just not as tall as they'd otherwise be. I'm not so sure about the idea of trimming back the sides drastically - but I suppose if it's on the neighbour's side and you can't see it, it's up to them.

But definitely work for qualified arboriculturalist if you want it to look good on your side

Since you're happy for the tree to remain, if the neighbours are being difficult, you could ask advice from the council tree officer. It's hardly your fault if you inadvertently trigger a TPO. (though that's probably not likely if the tree is visible only to you and your neighbours)

On 05/08/2012 01:03 PM, Sacha wrote:
Times to avoid: early spring to mid-summer; late summer to mid-winter.
Times it would be best: mid-winter to very early spring; mid-June to
mid-July

Just before that he says "Pruning after mid-summer would be ok but it
may be better to wait until the end of the winter."

What would be wrong with pruning after leaf fall, I wonder? The wood
has ripened, and there's no growth going on obviously.

The trouble with waiting until "mid-winter" is knowing when the sap has
started to run. During a very mild winter, the sap can be going pretty
strong even just after Christmas. For this reason I make sure all maple
pruning is done before Christmas. If you get it wrong they will bleed
for many days. I imagine horse chestnut is the same.

I certainly agree with pruning after the first growth period but before
the second.

Just wondering...

On 05/08/2012 06:22 PM, Sacha wrote:
On 2012-05-08 15:56:54 +0100, Emery Davis said:

On 05/08/2012 01:03 PM, Sacha wrote:
Times to avoid: early spring to mid-summer; late summer to mid-winter.
Times it would be best: mid-winter to very early spring; mid-June to
mid-July

Just before that he says "Pruning after mid-summer would be ok but it
may be better to wait until the end of the winter."

What would be wrong with pruning after leaf fall, I wonder? The wood
has ripened, and there's no growth going on obviously.

The trouble with waiting until "mid-winter" is knowing when the sap has
started to run. During a very mild winter, the sap can be going pretty
strong even just after Christmas. For this reason I make sure all maple
pruning is done before Christmas. If you get it wrong they will bleed
for many days. I imagine horse chestnut is the same.

I certainly agree with pruning after the first growth period but before
the second.

Just wondering...

The man the neighbours want to get in says he can start next week, which
is just the wrong time. That was the problem the OP was referring to in
his first post. If he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't even suggest it!

Yes, we certainly agree about that Sacha! I was just wondering about
why not to prune in late fall, after leaf drop.

On Monday, 7 May 2012 17:00:39 UTC+1, Sacha wrote:


I would certainly check there isn't a TPO on the tree but if there
isn't, the enquiry may result in one being slapped on it, so you have
to be aware of that! It is the wrong time of year to be pruning or
cutting back but apart from that, your neighbour and this tree man
should be thinking of birds that may be nesting in it. In your
situation, I would insist on a proper tree surgeon. I have a nasty
feeling this is going to look a mess if it's not done properly because
you're dealing with a mature tree. Anyone wielding a chainsaw can have
a card printed suggesting they do such work but not everyone can do it
well. It takes an hour to wreck a tree which won't recover and decades
for one to grow. Insist on a tree surgeon who is properly trained. If
this man says he can do it next week I wouldn't employ him.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
www.hillhousenurserytearoom.com
South Devon

I wonder if a TPO might help the O/P?
I think work like crown reduction may be allowed on TPO'd trees under certain conditions. In such a case the powers that be would absolutely insist on qualified, approved operators.

Rod

What a pity :-((

What a pity that at long last you have come round to what I said right at
the beginning.

Such a shame

Head in sand

Kindest POSSIBLE regards

Mike

--

....................................

I'm an Angel, honest ! The horns are there just to keep the halo straight.

....................................





"Sacha" wrote in message
...
On 2012-05-08 17:27:07 +0100, Emery Davis said:

On 05/08/2012 06:22 PM, Sacha wrote:
On 2012-05-08 15:56:54 +0100, Emery Davis said:

On 05/08/2012 01:03 PM, Sacha wrote:
Times to avoid: early spring to mid-summer; late summer to mid-winter.
Times it would be best: mid-winter to very early spring; mid-June to
mid-July

Just before that he says "Pruning after mid-summer would be ok but it
may be better to wait until the end of the winter."

What would be wrong with pruning after leaf fall, I wonder? The wood
has ripened, and there's no growth going on obviously.

The trouble with waiting until "mid-winter" is knowing when the sap has
started to run. During a very mild winter, the sap can be going pretty
strong even just after Christmas. For this reason I make sure all
maple
pruning is done before Christmas. If you get it wrong they will bleed
for many days. I imagine horse chestnut is the same.

I certainly agree with pruning after the first growth period but before
the second.

Just wondering...

The man the neighbours want to get in says he can start next week, which
is just the wrong time. That was the problem the OP was referring to in
his first post. If he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't even suggest
it!

Yes, we certainly agree about that Sacha! I was just wondering about
why not to prune in late fall, after leaf drop.

Ah, sorry, I didn't follow that properly. I think the OP needs to look at
this extremely carefully. If a TPO isn't on the tree... I'm thinking
it may look simply awful, pruned right back on one side and topped out, as
well. I suspect the OP's pleasure in having that tree may well be ruined
altogether. I'd almost rather get a TPO on it, go out for the day and let
it be felled completely, or have it turned into a large stump up which
they grow climbers. I can't see how this is going to improve the look of
the tree, whatever time of year the work is done. Oh dear!
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
www.hillhousenurserytearoom.com
South Devon

James, in case you missed it as well as other have ....

""Have you ever seen a Horse Chestnut that has had the treatment you are
talking about?

No?

Didn't think you had.

To hack such a tree about is the end of it.

Leave it.

OR

Fell it ...................... AFTER the Birds have finished nesting, but a
proper tree surgeon would have told your neighbour that.

My daughter and son in law have two massive Horse Chestnuts in their grounds
and they both need OUT we are afraid.

Mike""

Kindest regards



--

....................................

I'm an Angel, honest ! The horns are there just to keep the halo straight.

....................................





"James Hunt" wrote in message
...
A mature horse chestnut about 20m high lies between my neighbours and
my garden, splitting our boundary fence.

He wants it cut down so he gets more sun in his garden, we want it
left as is - we've compromised on pruning the top 30% and removing as
much as possible from their side of the tree, sharing the costs.

We've been emphatic throughout that we want the work done properly to
ensure the best chance that the tree survives the work.

They've brought somebody round to look at the tree to give them a
quote. His business card included tree lopping and tree pruning, but
also other more general jobs, so he's doesn't seem a specialist tree
surgeon.

He has told our neighbours that he can start work next week. However,
I thought that it was a bad idea to do major work on horse chestnuts
this early in the year on account of them being especially sappy at
this time which tended to exacerbate bug infections post tree
maintenance.

Can anyone confirm whether that's correct? If so, it sounds like the
man who has quoted our neighbours is either unknowledgeable about tree
work, or unscrupulous as to the health of the tree.

Thanks.

In article , says...

I suspect the OP's pleasure in having that tree
may well be ruined altogether. I'd almost rather get a TPO on it, go
out for the day and let it be felled completely, or have it turned into
a large stump up which they grow climbers.

For those who don't know what a TPO is :

A Tree Preservation Order will BAN a live healthy tree from being
felled, and owners who disobey a TPO on their tree would face a gigantic
fine for felling or damaging it.

Janet