Veteran Lime Tree — Internal Decay Assessment & Retention

Client: Treestyle Consultancy Ltd


Project Overview:

A mature open-grown veteran Lime estimated at approximately 200 years old, standing adjacent to a sports pitch at Myerscough College with a recently constructed building 12 metres from the stem. A significant open cavity on the south elevation, a probable Ganoderma sp. fruiting body inside the cavity, and visual evidence of decay extending vertically up the stem raised serious questions about retention. The tree's high-target location added considerable urgency to the assessment. This investigation was carried out as part of a combined site visit covering multiple trees.


Our Role:

Urban Tree Management deployed a full integrated diagnostic package — Rinntech ARBOTOM impulse tomography at five heights, 16 IML F300 Resistograph drillings at four cardinal points and four heights, Rinntech ArboStApp structural strength analysis, and Rinntech ArWiLo wind-load and crown-reduction modelling.


Findings & Recommendations:

  • Vertically continuous central decay column confirmed from at or below ground level to at least 180 cm
  • Maximum loss in load-carrying capacity of 32% at the buttress
  • ArboStApp returned a relative safety level of +86% before maturity correction and +186% after — reflecting approximately 120 years of compensatory post-maturity radial growth
  • ArWiLo modelling showed a 2 m phased crown reduction would reduce stem-base bending moment by 13% in a standard storm and 37% in extreme conditions


Outcome:

Removal was avoided. The veteran lime is retained subject to a phased 2 m crown reduction over two growing seasons, RPA fencing and mulching, annual visual inspection, and full instrumental reassessment at year 3. A 200-year-old veteran lime that traditional VTA methodology would have condemned was saved through objective, data-driven diagnostic assessment.

Specialist Tree Decay Detection — Veteran & High-Value Trees — North West & Nationwide

Urban Tree Management carries out specialist integrated decay detection investigations using the full Rinntech diagnostic ecosystem — Arbotom impulse tomography, IML Resistograph, ArboStApp, and ArWiLo — providing objective, defensible evidence to support retention of significant trees. 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.