Heavy Reduction

This ageing Oak ( Quercus robur ) in Leigh had begun to shed its limbs alarmingly close to a path. Rather than remove it, it was decided to heavily crown reduce the oak, to reduce the weight it was bearing, and lessen the 'sail area' it presented to the wind.

Whilst this heavy reduction is more than the recommended 30% and subsequently will look a little severe, it is a preferable alternative to removal.

An oak tree can be expected to live for up to a thousand years and provides habitat for over 300 species of invertebrate in addition to providing valuable food sources for a wide variety of mammals and birds, most famously the Eurasian Jay.

Allowing an Oak tree to remain and die of its own accord is of the utmost ecological importance.