More excellent veteran tree management from Leeds castle in Kent. Note the crown reduction to reduce the risk of unnecessary failures, the coronet cuts to branches to mimic natural breakages, the retention of broken branch stubs on the trunk as ecological niches, the retention of fallen branches beneath the... crown to deter public access, no mowing beneath the crown to encourage natural ground cover, the retention of low branches touching the ground to provide an opportunity for layering and future natural supports for the deteriorating trunk, and the healthy foliage debunking the myth that mature beech (Fagus sylvatica) cannot tolerate heavy pruning. Great balance between proactively reducing the risk to visitors while retaining an historic landscape feature, with the big bonus of excellent biodiversity enrichment. Great effort from the Leeds management team. Well done.show more

So much better for all types of wildlife when woodland is managed to retain broken branch stubs and to leave gaps and holes for wildlife. Standing deadwood is so important. Another veteran was felled which contained fantastic fungi

Thank you, a good explanation for no nothings like me🤣 But I can't help thinking that old fashioned 'Tree Botherers' would be aghast at those cuts.

Yes, thinking often moves on, and some just can't cope with it.

That was interesting.

Felt apropos to add this earlier report of yours from Leeds Castle, Jeremy, also highly illuminating. Those coronet cuts, I tell ya. The team there are truly inspiring.

Can you explain more about coronet cuts? This website implies that they increase the risk of the tree getting fungal disease ...? But you imply it is better for veteran trees. Certainly makes more habitat, but overall impact on life of the tree?

How to do it properly

??!!

Saw similar management at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire before Christmas

Good use of veteranisation techniques to aid risk management, shameless plug, please see me recent publication on veteranisation of oak branches