When we talk about old and ancient trees, Britain has been blessed with more than any other country in Europe. By ‘old and ancient’ we mean something lie an old building that is maintained and nurtured because of its historical significance. Buildings are mortar and bricks or stone but a tree is a living entity.
How ancient trees have survived the generations
Consider the way in which man is de-foresting the planet, it’s a wonder that any really old trees have survived. Their chances of doing so in Third world countries is a lot more difficult than in European countries. Community awareness of the trees in the area has grown significantly over the past 35 years and cutting down a tree that has been part of the neighbourhood ever since there were any homes there is simply not allowed. Permission is required.
Many of these trees, going back generations, have been ‘working trees’ in that their wood and leaves were used as part of everyday life. In the days before engine driven chainsaws were able to despatch a tree in mere minutes, chopping down a giant ancient tree was considered far too time consuming. There was a common thought that a tree so old would probably be rotting from the inside so the value of the timber was negligible.
In addition to Yew trees in churchyards, it has always been thought that old and ancient trees gave parks and gardens a majestic quality and an air of antiquity. In order to preserve these old beauties, some people hire tree surgery services that can treat the area that needs attention.
Identifying a veteran tree
Just how do you identify a tree that has been classified as a veteran? Here are
- Girth that is considered large for the tree species concerned
- Major trunk cavities or progressive hollowing
- Physical damage to trunk, decay or bark loss
- Large quantity of dead wood have to be removed by tree services in San Jose, CA (or nearby).
- Crevices in the bark, under branches or on the root plate sheltered from direct rainfall
- Fungal fruiting bodies (e.g. from heart rotting species)
- High number of interdependent wildlife species
- High aesthetic interest, cultural/historic value or an ‘old look’
- Show indications of past management
- Stand on a prominent position in the landscape
These factors can sometimes appear on damaged trees, such as those harmed by fire. Some veteran trees may have very few of these factors.
The importance of veteran trees
If only trees could talk. We would have been able to put together an amazing history of mankind over the last few hundred years. Veteran trees are often historically linked with significant events. How often do you see an old landscape painting or even a painting of people and the tree in the picture is still alive?
Significant trees are often found to be markers that occur at boundary banks or hedgerows, meaning they contribute to studies on ancient land divisions. These trees have to be preserved and taken care of properly. If they look like they are diseased or ailed, they need to be looked at by people who are Tree Surgery experts. This would ensure these old trees keep on thriving for years to come.
Management of veteran trees
The biggest threat to any tee is felling. The decision to take down what is obviously an historical and veteran tree is not taken lightly these days. While some trees might need expert maintenance to stay alive, some old trees become a danger to the community with low hanging branches or internal rotting that might cause the tree to fall over naturally and damage property. With the legality surrounding the management of veteran trees, the work should be left to experienced contractors who carry tree surgeon insurance.
