Artemis expertise was called in to help clients in Beaconsfield save a majestic Oak tree suffering from infection. The Oak, around 14m tall and estimated to be 180 years old, had several young and old fungal brackets on the lower section of its trunk indicating internal decay.
The homeowners saw themselves as custodians of the stately tree and were keen to try preserve it if at all possible. 

Our consultant initially went to assess the infection and advise on possible courses of action. He identified the fungi as Eiffel Tower bracket fungus (Pseudoinotus dryadeus) and used our Resistograph microdrill to assess the extent of wood decay in the trunk. 

The investigation discovered that decay is confined mostly to the heartwood of the tree and that decay has most likely progressed very slowly, with pronounced buttress roots at the base of the trunk adapted to compensate for the additional load. 

It was advised that an initial crown reduction, followed by a gradual reduction in the tree’s crown over several years would reduce loading on the trunk and enable the tree to be retained without posing an unacceptable risk of harm. 

The clients were delighted and commissioned Artemis to carry out the work and the old Oak is still standing proud.