Pruning is only one aspect of this fine old tree’s recovery

 Redford House, a historical home in the Crags area has a large oak tree in the front garden. The tree is likely to be the same age as the house and planted as a welcoming feature. Being a mature tree it has begun to show signs of stress over the past decade, with branch die-back and epicormic growth towards the interior. For some time since its planting the tree was watered by a French drain leading from the house and some deterioration has occurred (see bark picture below right) since use of the drain was discontinued. Charles has pruned the tree, but has to decide on an alternative method of irrigation.

An inspection of the tree and information about its history has revealed that the paving is about 30 years old; there is a possibility that periodic application of a herbicide did take place and that the French drain had been diverted with the modernisation of kitchens and bathrooms.

“Pruning and the aesthetics of the tree above ground is one aspect of its recovery,” says Charles, “but the overall health of the tree depends on the health of its roots.” His and his client’s decision will thus be how to introduce a deep, possibly slow system of drip watering, to bring the oak back to its former state of good health.