Q. The lower branches of a large oak tree in our garden are touching the roof of our garage and overhanging our neighbour’s fence. Can it be pruned back without spoiling its shape?
A. “Yes, provided the work is done by a qualified tree surgeon. Simply lopping off the ends of the offending branches could create dead wood and will give it an unnatural shape. These problems are avoided by ‘crown lifting’, i.e. the selective removal of the lower branches. It is advisable to have this work done on a fairly regular basis if possible as removing lower limbs on more mature trees can leave large wounds.”

Q. Several of the trees in our garden have Tree Preservation Orders on them. We are planning an extension and one of the trees will have to be removed. Do we apply for permission ourselves or will the company we ask to remove it do the paperwork?
A. “Applying for work to be done to trees protected by a TPO is best done by the company you engage to carry it out, provided they offer this service. Bawden prefer to complete TPO applications for our customers as we can explain in professional terms the work required and the local Tree Officer then has the information necessary on which to base their decision. We make no charge for this service, even if permission is not granted and the work cannot be undertaken.”

Q. We have a large beech tree with a very distinctive brown and white fungus growing near the base. Is this something we should be concerned about?
A. “Probably! From the description, and the type of tree, it sounds like a Ganoderma fungus (there are several types), which is a wood-decaying fungus that feeds on dead heartwood and is found mainly in broadleaf trees, particularly oak and beech. The very distinctive fungus is often the only outward sign that there is something amiss with the central core of the tree, and it definitely needs investigating. In January of this year we section felled a 180-200 year old beech tree at Amport House, Wiltshire that displayed signs of the Ganoderma fungus. At approximately 130ft in height and with a base diameter of about 5ft the tree was big specimen by anyone’s standards! The problem came to light over a year ago following a visual survey. The fungus was present but we didn’t know to what extent the integrity of the tree had been compromised. A Resistograph was used to find out just how serious the problem was and the results confirmed our worst fears - the core of the tree was badly decayed and it had to be felled safely before it fell down. The entire tree was felled with just 12 cuts by one Bawden climber and a team of six ground staff over two days, leaving a 6ft stump as a wildlife habitat for beetles and other insects. Ganoderma fungus should definitely not be ignored if you value life and limb!”

If you have a question on trees or hedges, or on garden maintenance issues, call Bawden Garden and Tree Care on 01980 622185 or email enquiries@bawdengardenandtreecare.co.uk