Cedar & Copper Beech Internal Decay Assessment — L&Q Group, Trafford

Client: L&Q Group — instructed by Macauley Schenk, Estate Officer, Trafford



Project Overview: Urban Tree Management was instructed by L&Q Group's Estate Officer for Trafford to carry out internal decay assessments on two significant trees on the L&Q housing estate — a mature Cedar at Edensor Drive, Hale, Altrincham and a mature Copper Beech at Marlborough Road, Urmston. Both trees had raised concerns about their internal structural condition. The investigations were carried out as a combined site programme.


Our Role: Two separate instrumental investigations were carried out — Arbotom impulse tomography on the Cedar at four assessment heights, and Rinntech Resistograph R650 resistance micro-drilling on the Copper Beech at four cardinal points. Acoustic mallet testing was carried out on both trees at all cardinal points prior to instrumental investigation.


Cedar — Hale, Altrincham:

  • Arbotom impulse tomography at 10 cm, 75 cm, 140 cm, and 200 cm
  • Maximum strength loss 10% at 140 cm — not considered significant at any height
  • Minor to moderate resonance change on acoustic mallet testing attributed to loosened bark
  • Tree at full maturity — maturity effect applied to structural assessment
  • Recommendation: vitality monitoring within 12-15 months, further tomography within 24 months

Copper Beech — Urmston:

  • Rinntech Resistograph R650 at four cardinal points at 270 cm
  • Internal cavity confirmed from Resistograph assessment
  • Minor to moderate resonance change on acoustic mallet testing consistent with internal dysfunction
  • Post-maturity radial growth providing ongoing increase in load-carrying capacity
  • Recommendation: vitality monitoring within 12 months, further Resistograph reassessment within 24 months


Outcome: Both trees retained. Defensible monitoring programmes established for both specimens — providing L&Q Group's Estate Officer with clear, documented management recommendations and reinspection intervals.

Tree Decay Detection for Housing Associations — Greater Manchester & North West

Urban Tree Management provides specialist decay detection investigations for housing associations across Greater Manchester and the North West — working directly with estate officers and facilities teams. Independent, Level 6 qualified, completely independent from any tree surgery contractor.


Get in contact with our highly experienced and personable team of arboricultural consultants today, to discuss your requirements and to obtain your zero obligation quotation.