Tree Report

Project Reference: 22 1702 TPP

OLD MILL SULBY TREE REPORT: TREE PROTECTION PLAN ARBORICULTURAL METHOD STATEMENT TREE PLANTING PLAN

Prepared for:

Kim and Ewan McDonell Old Mill Sulby [email protected]

March 2023

Douglas Chalk ND Arb. Corrie Main Road Glen Vine Isle of Man IM4 4BA Tel: 01624 851401 Mobile: 07624 435156 E-Mail: [email protected]

Contents

Introduction and Site Description Part One: Tree Protection

• 1 Sequence of Operations
• 2 Tree Removal and Facilitation Pruning
• 3 Tree Protection Plan: Tree Protection Barriers and Construction Exclusion Zone
• 4 Arboricultural Method Statement
• 5 Site Monitoring Schedule

• Appendix 1 Supporting Photographs
• Appendix 2 Specifications in respect of cellular confinement system and installation
• Appendix 3 BS 5837:2012 Table 1 Tree Categories
• Appendix 4 References Part Two – Tree Planting Plan

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Planting Objectives and Desired Outcomes
• 3 Environment and Ground Assessment
• 4 Species Choice
• 5 Planting Specification
• 6 Planting Location
• 7 Planting: Timing and Method
• 8 Maintenance: Irrigation and Formative Pruning
• 9 Aftercare
• 10 References

• Appendix 1: BS8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape Section 11.3
• Appendix 2 BS3998:2010 Section 7.4 Formative pruning Part Three - Tree Protection Plan Drawing

Introduction

• 1 The following tree report is divided into two parts:

• Part 1 Tree protection measures:

Removal of Category U trees Facilitation pruning Tree protection plan (TPP) Arboricultural method statement (AMS) Site monitoring schedule

• Part 2 Tree planting plan:

Species choice Specification Location Planting method Tree protection Aftercare and maintenance

• 2 The report aims to meet the following standards:

BS 5835:2012 Trees in Relation to Design Demolition and Construction – Recommendations BSI Standards Publication

BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations BSI Standards Publication BS8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – recommendations). BSI Standards Publication

• 3 The tree protection measures focus on two main areas:

• 1 The existing mill access lane (work within root protection areas – see arboricultural method statement)
• 2 Construction access (temporary tree protection measures against construction traffic)

• 4 The aim of the tree protection plan (TPP) and arboricultural method statement (AMS) is to protect those trees deemed worthy of protection as discussed with the forestry officer at site meeting 10th November 2022.
• 5 Following construction it is proposed that a scheme of reinforcement tree planting be implemented sympathetic to the existing informal landscape.
• 6 This report should be read in conjuction with the accompanying Tree Protection drawing.

Site Description

• 1 The site accommodates a number of mature broadleaved trees. These are located primarily along the quarry access lane, the original access lane to the mill building and alongside the river.
• 2 Principal species: elm, ash, sycamore, sweet chestnut, holly, spruce.
• 3 The temporary construction access is such as to remain outside the root protection areas of all trees. See TPP drawing.
• 4 The original mill access lane will form the new driveway. Consequently work within RPA's of some trees will be necessary (see arboricultural method statement).
• 5 Tree protection measures will extend to eighteen potentially vulnerable trees. The following table should be read in conjuction with the accompanying TPP drawing.

Tree Number	Species	Age Class	DBH mm	RPA radius (metres)	Comments
1	Elm	Mature	1000	12
2	Spruce	F Mature	530	6.3	Adjacent to gate. Remove as discussed with tree officer
3	Elm	M	1080	12.9	REMOVED
4	Elm	M	530	6.3
5	Elm	M	940	11.4
6	Holly	M	800	9.6
7	Holly	M	300	3.6	Poor condition
8	Elm	F Mature	490	6	Rear of mill building. Facilitation pruning required
9	Sycamore	FM/M	450	5.4	Rear of mill building. Facilitation pruning required.
10	Elm	M	620	7.5	Extensive basal rot
11	Spruce	F Mature	400	4.8
12	Spruce	M	1080	12.9
13	Spruce	M	700	8.4
14	Sweet Chestnut	M	1400	15
15	Elm	M	640	7.8
16	Elm	Small	340	4.2
17	Sycamore	M	590	7.2	Adjacent to quarry lane
18	Ash	M	750	9	Adjacent to quarry lane

Part One: Tree Protection

• 1 Sequence of Tree Protection Operations Tree protection measures should be implemented in the following order: Pre-construction

• 1 Distribute the TPP plan, arboricultural method statement (AMS) and TPP drawing to the site manager and project manager.
• 2 These documents to be kept on site throughout the construction period.
• 3 All personnel involved in construction to be made aware of these documents.
• 4 Any issues to be discussed and resolved before any tree removal, tree surgery, or construction work begins.
• 5 Carry out all tree removal and facilitation pruning operations prior to the erection of tree protection barriers.
• 6 Erect tree protection barriers according to BS5837 Section 6.2.2 (see below). Construction Phase
• 7 Inspect tree protection barriers periodically. Ensure these are secure and fit for purpose. Report and resolve problems.
• 8 Implement arboricultural operations detailed in the arboricultural method statement. Post-construction
• 9 Remove all plant, equipment and materials from site.
• 10 Dismantle protective barriers and deconstruct exclusion zones.

All construction work should be monitored to ensure compliance with AMS recommendations. Any unforeseen issues relating to tree protection which arise shall be reported by the site manager to the project manager and, if necessary, the advice of an arboriculturist should be sought. For example, issues arising in respect of the construction exclusion zones, installation of cellular confinement system, or facilitation pruning operations.

2 Tree Removal and Facilitation Pruning

• 1 Tree Removal

• 1.1 T2 adjacent to mill access lane gate. Remove tree as discussed with tree officer at site meeting 10th November 2022.
• 1.2 A small number of extremely poor, small category U trees in varying degrees of disintegration within the vicinity of the mill building. As discussed with tree officer at site meeting 10th November 2022. See Appendix 1 (supporting photographs).

• 2 Facilitation Pruning

2.1 Removal of several small diameter branches from mature elm T4 to facilitate access (pruning cuts indicated by yellow dots)

T4

• 2.2 Removal of several overhanging branches from T8 and T9 situated immediately behind the old mill building in order to facilitate construction work without damage to trees.

T8 T9

All tree work to be carried out in accordance with Pruning Position: BS 3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations Section 7:

3 Tree Protection Plan: Tree Protection Barriers and Construction Exclusion Zone

• 1. It is necessary to create contruction exclusion zones in order to protect existing trees including their stems, branches and rooting environment.
• 2. The protective barriers are to be erected prior to the commencement of any site works including delivery of materials, supplies or machinery.
• 3. Any tree surgery or tree removal will be undertaken prior to the erection of the barriers.
• 4. The barriers must be erected in the position indicated on the Tree Protection Plan (TPP) and constructed according to the following specification:

• 5. The barriers should be considered essential and should not be removed or altered without prior recommendation by an arboriculturalist and approved by the planning officer/forestry officer.
• 6. The barriers should consist of a vertical and horizontal framework of scaffold tubing which is adequately braced to resist impacts.
• 7. The vertical scaffold tubes to be placed at a distance not exceeding 3m apart. The weldmesh or Heras panels need to be 2.3m tall and are securely attached to the scaffold framework with wire or scaffold clamps. The wire or scaffold clamps should be secured on the inside of the barrier to avoid easy dismantling.
• 8. Panels on rubber or concrete feet are not resistant to impact and should not be used.
• 9. No fixing shall be made to any tree and all possible care to be taken to prevent damage to tree roots when locating the posts. All types of barriers to be firmly attached to prevent movement by site personnel or vehicles and all weather signs with the wording CONSTRUCTION EXCLUSION ZONE should be attached.
• 10. The exclusion zone shall apply to: all construction activity, the parking of vehicles, storage of materials, bricks and rubble, soil or any other debris. No toxic substances shall be deposited (e.g. bags of cement) nor should any run off (e.g. from cement mixers) be allowed to enter the area. There shall be no activity in this area that could lead to soil compaction and no raising or lowering of soil levels. The exclusion area shall NOT be used as a compound to protect equipment.
• 11. Tree protection barriers should be erected at the positions shown on the accompanying TPP drawing.

Location of Site Compound and Storage Areas

The contractor's site compound, storage and parking areas must be located outside of the root protection areas (RPAs) of all retained trees. All site storage areas, especially cement mixing and washing points for plant and vehicles must also be situated outside of the RPA's. Where there is a possible risk of polluted water runoff heavy duty plastic sheeting and sand bags must be used to contain spillages and contamination.

4 Arboricultural Method Statement: Installing No Dig Porous Surfacing CellularConfinement System

• 1. The development requires the installation of tree friendly no dig porous surfacing in respect of the construction of the final access driveway along the original mill access lane.
• 2. If the principles of the 'no dig' construction are followed, no significant permanent damage should occur to any of the retained trees.
• 3. The rules of construction are as follows:

• 1) No roots are to be severed (except for hand digging to remove rocks or protrusions taking care not to sever any roots over 2.5cm in diameter).
• 2) The soil must not be compacted.
• 3) Oxygen and water must be able to diffuse into the soil beneath the engineered surface.
• 4) The construction of the access driveway is to be above existing ground level.

The Cellular Confinement System of Tree Root Protection

• 4. The method of construction is as follows:

• 1) Ideally construction should be undertaken between the months of May and October when the ground is at its driest and less prone to compaction.
• 2) Ground vegetation should be carefully removed from the line of the surfacing.
• 3) No digging should take place within the protected zone except for the careful removal of organic matter using hand tools. Any hollows must be filled with sharp sand. Any digging to

• remove rocks or protrusions must be by hand taking care not to sever any roots over 2.5cm in diameter.
• 4) The three dimensional cell structure is formed by ultrasonically welding polyethylene (perforated) strips and panels together to create a three dimensional network of interconnecting cells. A high degree of frictional interaction is developed between infill and cell wall, increasing the stiffness of the system. The use of cellular confinement reduces the bearing pressure on the subsoil by stabilising aggregate surfaces against rutting under wheel loads.

• 1 View of new road prior to the commencement of works
• 2 Laying of Fibretex/Treetex non woven geotextile material directly on the existing subgrade. Overlap dry joints by 300mm

3 Laying out the Cellweb – photos 3-6 below.

Lay and expand the cellular confinement system (e.g. Cellweb) and anchor open during infilling. A depth of at least 100mm is required for domestic traffic up to approximately 3 tons.

• 4 Filling the Cellweb system Once filled the system can support plant to carry aggregate to the fill area.

Fill the cellular confinement system with a minimum of 100mm of aggregate (the amount is dependant on the depth of the Cellweb employed).

The aggregate should not contain any fines and be of an inert type material such as whinstone chips rather than any lime based product.

The angular particle dimensions should be 20-40mm. (Note: The use of dolomite, limestone or crushed concrete is not suitable for this application as it can react with rain water with the potential to change the soil pH and form impenetrable layers which impede water movement and gaseous exchange).

• 5 Edging

Place a second layer of Fibretex F4M/Treetex Geotextile separation fabric over the infilled Cellweb sections. Place decorative aggregate to the required depth. A treated timber edge should be provided to restrict gravel movement.

It is important that the edging material used does not encroach into the protected area. The use of conventional kerbing is not possible as the depth of excavation required for their installation will sever the tree roots. Edging supports such as angled steel section or pinned edges are advised as shown above although there are a number of varying kerbing options available which do not require any excavation and could be used above the existing ground level.

• 6 Final surfacing The final surfacing will be with loose gravel.

Loose Gravel Finish

Driveway in Cross-Section

5 Site Monitoring Schedule

Action	Timeline	Event	Result
Pre-commencement meeting with site manager and project manager. Tree officer invited.	Before any site activity commences	Meeting on Site Review any updates to the proposal Confirm extent of tree works and position of protective barriers	Site meeting and letter or email confirming results of meeting distributed to the relevant parties
Tree works meeting with tree work contractor	Prior to commencement of tree work and construction	Meeting on site to confirm tree works specification and method of working	Site meeting letter or email confirming results of meeting distributed to the relevant parties
Tree works undertaken Finalising tree protection barrier installation	Before any plant enters site or construction work commences	Confirm postion of the protective barriers have been installed and comply with the Tree Protection Plan (TPP)	Site meeting, letter or email (including photos of installed barriers) confirming results of meeting distributed to the relevant parties
Installation of no-dig porous surfacing within the RPA's of trees adjacent to original mill lane access	Prior to installation of cellular confinement system	Meeting with contractor prior to installation and during installation of surfacing to ensure compliance with arboricultural method statement	Site meeting and letter or email confirming results of meeting distributed to the relevant parties
Removal of protective barriers. Ground conditions assessed. Retained trees inspected	Once construction activities have finished	Meeting with contractor.	Site meeting and letter or email confirming results of meeting distributed to the relevant parties

• Appendix 1 Photos Sub-standard trees to be removed in the vicinity of the old mill building
• Appendix 2 Specifications in respect of cellular confinement system and installation

• 1 Herbicide: According to BS5837:2012 “The use of herbicides in the vicinity of existing trees should be appropriate for the type of vegetation to be killed, and all instructions, warnings and other relevant information from the manufacturers should be strictly observed and followed. Care should be taken to avoid any damaging effects upon existing plants and trees to be retained, species to be introduced, and existing sensitive habitats, particularly those associated with aquatic or drainage features.”

• 2 Geotextile: FibratexF4M or Treetex™ . The overlapping between adjacent rolls of Geotextile should be: CBR > 3%: 300mm minimum, CBR between 1% and 3%: 500mm minimum. CBR ≤ 1%: 750mm minimum.
• 3 Staples: Number of staples per join: 200mm: 5 staples. 150mm: 4 staples. 100mm: 3 staples. 75mm: 3 staples.
• 4 Granular Fill: Open graded sub-base, clean angular stone Type 4/20 or Type 20/40.
• 5 Surface Options: All surfaces in Root Protection Areas must be porous. Surfaces can include porous block paving, porous asphalt, loose gravel, grass and gravel retention systems (e.g Golpla), resin bound gravel, concrete and astro turf.
• 6 Edge restraints: Excavations for kerbs and edgings should be avoided within the RPAs. Where edging is required for footpath and light structures, a peg and treated timber board edging is acceptable. Other options include wooden sleepers, kerb edging constructed on-top of the cellular confinement system.

• Appendix 3 – Tree Categories (BS 5837:2012)
• Appendix 4 – References

BS 5835:2012 Trees in Relation to Design Demolition and Construction – Recommendations BSI Standards Publication

BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations BSI Standards Publication DEFA (Forestry Directorate) tree protection legislation https://www.gov.im/categories/home-andneighbourhood/tree-protection/#:~:text=All%20trees%20which%20have%20a,for%20a%20licence %20from%20DEFA.

PART TWO OLD MILL SULBY

Tree Planting Plan

MARCH 2023

Contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Planting Objectives and Desired Outcomes
• 3 Environment and Ground Assessment
• 4 Species Choice
• 5 Planting Specification
• 6 Planting Location
• 7 Planting: Timing and Method
• 8 Maintenance: Irrigation and Formative Pruning
• 9 Aftercare
• 10 References Appendix 1: BS8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – recommendations). BSI 11.3

Appendix 2 BS3998:2010 Section 7.4 Formative pruning

• 1 Introduction

• 1.1 The following Tree Planting Plan in respect of Old Mill, Sulby, seeks to ensure continuity of tree cover, diversity of species and variation of age class for the area without diminishing from the existing informal landscape.
• 1.2 The proposed new tree planting will therefore:

• a) Provide an appropriate standard of visual amenity in the local area without making it too formal.
• b) Provide replacement tree cover in the unlikely event that any existing trees fail.
• c) Maintain continuity of broadleaved tree cover into the future
• d) Appropriately landscape the development so as to sit comfortably and acceptably in its location.
• e) Adhere to the guidelines of BS8545:2014 (Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape)

• 1.3 The written text should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Tree Protection Plan (TPP) drawing which indicates where new trees will be located.
• 1.4 The following text provides the following details:

• a) Species, number, size and density of all new planting.
• b) A programme of implementation.
• c) The date/season when new planting will be carried out.
• d) Maintenance and aftercare recommendations.

• 2 Planting Objectives and Desired Outcomes

• 2.1 Objectives

• 1 To provide a scheme of landscaping which will sit comfortably in the local environment.
• 2 Plant trees which will complement species represented in the wider landscape.
• 3 Plant species in order to secure the longevity and uniformity of tree cover in the wider area.
• 4 Plant species appropriate to the informal aspect of the new development.
• 5 Plant species which will provide an appropriate level of visual attractiveness.
• 6 Plant species sympathetic to the existing landscape.
• 7 Plant species supportive of wildlife.

2.2 Desired Outcomes

• 1 Establish age diversity into the existing treescape.
• 2 Continuity of tree cover following the removal of sub-standard species.
• 3 To help ensure a healthy and attractive collection of trees.
• 4 To plant trees which will ultimately attain the required proportions (height and spread).
• 5 To add to the aesthetic contribution provided by trees in the wider area.
• 6 Plant species which are either native or naturalised.

3 Environment and Ground Assessment Considerations

• 3.1 Environment

• 1 Avoid planting species poisonous to humans and animals.
• 2 Avoid planting species out of keeping with the immediate and wider environment (e.g. exotic species).
• 3 Avoid planting species which may become particularly prone to disease (e.g. elm or ash).

• 3.2 Ground assessment

• 1 The area exhibits good ground conditions suitable for broadleaved tree planting.
• 2 The areas of replanting exhibit a moist well-drained soil.
• 3 There is no evidence of waterlogging in planting areas.
• 4 Species Choice

• 4.1 The existing tree cover is dominated by mature elm, spruce, sycamore, ash, sweet chestnut and holly. Some trees exhibit extensive basal decay which reduces their longevity in the landscape.

• 4.2 In order to reinforce existing planting the following broadleaved tree species are recommended: Rowan –

Rowan is a small, attractive tree appropriate to the existing landscape and will add colour and interest to the area (flowers, leaves, fruits). Rowan berries are food to birds such as the thrush, blackbird and waxwing.

Silver Birch –

• 1 Silver birch exhibits a graceful appearance and casts only dappled shade.
• 2 The foliage is light and stands in contrast to the large-leaved sycamore, holly and elm on the site.
• 3 Silver birch is a species native to the British Isles and will blend with the surrounding landscape.
• 4 It exhibits attractive features: foliage (shape and autumn colour), catkins, bark effect, crown shape

• (ascending branches with weeping terminal shoots)
• 5 Silver birch is an important tree for wildlife supporting many insect species (e.g. caterpillars, sawflies, moths) and is frequented by many garden bird species (e.g. thrush, greenfinch, waxwing). Small-leaved lime –

• 1 Lime is an ultimately large tree often used as replacement for elms which succumb to Dutch elm disease. There are presently several large elms on the property, some of which are leaning or badly decayed.
• 2 Lime is a pollinator-magnet with blossom producing a sweet scent. Leaves support the caterpillars of the lime hawk and peppered moth. Sweet chestnut –

• 1 Chosen to give a sense of continuity given the existing chestnuts on the site are mature.
• 2 Sweet chestnut is a deciduous tree which belongs to the same family Fagaceae to which oak also belongs.
• 3 Sweet chestnut exhibits a very attractive bark and attains a large size thus lending a sense of scale to the development. Sessile Oak –

• 1 An ultimately large, native tree – valuable to wildlife with good longevity.
• 2 A deciduous tree with male and female flowers in May and host to hundreds of insect species, supplying many birds (e.g. woodpecker) with an important food source.

5 Planting Specification

• 5.1 All trees to be planted as Standards. Each tree to have a substantial upright stem, clean of lateral growths, supporting a branched crown. The crown may have a central leader or branched head, and branching appropriate for species, with no main branches crossing in the crown.
• 5.2 Girth 8-10 cm with 1.8m clear stem.
• 5.3 Ideally trees should be container grown. Container size 5litre. Alternatively, if planting is to be carried out between November and March, bare-rooted stock is acceptable
• 5.4 A total of 15 trees to be planted in the ration of 9:6 – see accompanying Tree Planting Plan drawing for planting position.
• 5.5 Low staking at 45cm from ground.
• 5.6 Tree Protection: spiral rabbit guards attached to each tree (see below)

6 Location of Planting:

SEE ACCOMPANYING TREE PROTECTION/PLANTING SITE DRAWING

7 Planting: Timing and Method

• 1 Timing: dormant season -November to March. Containerised trees can be planted at any time of the year but care should be taken to avoid prolonged periods of dry weather.
• 2 Dig a hole wider and deeper than the container and loosen the soil around the sides. Break up any large clumps of soil. Fork the sides of the planting pit to aid aeration.
• 3 Insert tree stake/stakes.
• 4 Carefully place the tree in the hole and check the depth. Ensure the nursery line is level with the top of the soil.
• 5 Holding the tree upright, fill the hole with soil and press down onto the roots to eliminate air pockets.
• 6 Ensure tree is resistant to a firm tug and no roots are showing above ground.
• 7 Protect tree with a spiral rabbit guard.
• 8 Maintain a weed-free area of 0.5m radius around the tree for the first FIVE years (see aftercare below).
• 9 Tree pit design. See below – BS 8545 Annex F (Informative) F.1 p.55-56

BS 8545:2014 Diagram F2: Tree Pit Design For Planting In Grass

Low Staking Tree Tie

Spiral Guard Planting

• 8 Maintenance: Irrigation and Formative Pruning

• 8.1 Irrigation

• 1 Regular watering may be required during periods of drought. For the purposes of this planting plan, drought is defined as a period of time with less-than-normal rainfall. Whilst not previously a problem in the Isle of Man, long periods of dry weather in summer are now to be expected.
• 2 BS 8545:2014 Section 11.3 will be followed with regard to frequency of watering (see appendix).
• 3 Watering should ensure the soil around the tree is saturated.

• 8.2 Formative Pruning

• 1 Formative pruning will be carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations Section 7.4 (see Appenix 2)
• 2 Formative pruning will be carried out according to a set maintenance plan for at least the first 3 years after planting.
• 3 Formative pruning will continue until a permanent framework of branches is achieved – see BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations Section 7.4
• 4 Formative pruning will be carried out according to a set maintenance plan for at least the first 3 years after planting.
• 5 Formative pruning will continue until a permanent structurally sound scaffold system of branches typical of the species and appropriate to the site circumstances is produced.
• 6 The advice of a competent arborist will be sought to carry out this function if there is any chance of this aspect of work being neglected.
• 7 Care will be taken to prune out all broken branches, tight/weak forks, co-dominant leaders and weak crossing branches.
• 8 When pruning branches, care will be taken to retain the branch collar.
• 9 In normal circumstances pruning will be to an outward facing bud.
• 10 Care will be taken not to damage buds when pruning.
• 11 Internodal pruning will be avoided.
• 12 Pruning will be carried out at the correct time of year as dictated by the species (avoid pruning early spring).

9 Aftercare

• 1 It is important that an aftercare programme be agreed between applicant and planning authority.
• 2 This programme should be strictly adhered to for a period of 3-5 years.

• 9.1 Tree Health

• 1 A formal assessment of young tree health and development will be carried out annually.
• 2 This assessment will include foliar appearance, leaf size development and leaf canopy density, extension growth and incremental girth development of the stem. Special attention will be paid to symptoms of leaf necrosis or chlorosis resulting from pest or disease or nutrient/moisture deficiency,

• 9.2 Stakes and Ties

• 1 Tree stakes will be checked annually to ensure that the root system remains secure.
• 2 Tree ties will be checked for damage to tree stems as a result of rubbing or constriction.
• 3 All stakes and ties will be removed as soon as the developing root system is strong enough to support the tree.

• 9.3 Competing Vegetation

• 1 The area around the base of the tree/shrub will be kept free from competing vegetation (grass and weed growth) for a period of 3 years in order that a healthy root system may develop.
• 2 All mulches will be replenished to their original depth each year (50 - 100mm) and weeds removed from the area of crown spread.
• 3 Wherever possible any area of mulch will be enlarged to the drip line as the tree develops taking care to keep mulch away from the root flare and the base of the stems.
• 4 The soil around the newly planted trees will be regularly inspected for soil capping or compaction. Decompaction and aeration will be undertaken as necessary.

• 9.4 General

• 1 The trees will be checked annually for mammal, human and other external damage (e.g. mower/strimmer damage). Remedial action will be implemented as soon as reasonably practicable.
• 2 The trees will be checked annually for pests and diseases. Any remedial action will be taken promptly.
• 3 If the tree/shrub fails it will be replaced in the following dormant season (November – March) or otherwise in compliance with the relevant planning condition.

10 References

BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations BSI Standards Publication BS8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – recommendations). BSI Standards Publication

• Appendix 1 BS8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – recommendations). BSI 11.3 Irrigation

The timing and frequency of irrigation should take into account the prevailing weather conditions, soil moisture release characteristics, and the response of the tree species to water deficits or periods of prolonged soil saturation. NOTE Nursery trees produced in ideal conditions can take time to adapt to localized planting conditions.

• 11.3.2 Any given volume of soil has the capacity to hold a given volume of water. The water-holding capacity of the soil should be assessed and taken into account when determining irrigation needs.
• 11.3.3 In addition to water-holding capacity, the amount of water available to the tree should be assessed. Applying this to all newly planted trees is often impractical, but sample assessments should be made. NOTE Guidance on determining the amount of available water is given in Annex G, Table G. 1.
• 11.3.4 The frequency of irrigation is more important than the volume of water given at any one time. Increased water volumes cannot compensate for a lack of frequency. This should be accounted for in irrigation plans. Irrigation plans should also take into account the findings of the original site assessment and the subsequent species choice made. NOTE It might not be sufficient to apply a given amount of water arbitrarily at a certain frequency after transplanting.
• 11.3.5 Monitoring is recommended if there are 10 consecutive days during the growing season at >25 °C. Water should only be added if soil moisture probe/tensiometer values indicate that it would be appropriate to do so.
• 11.3.6 The frequency and extent of irrigation should take into account the prevailing weather conditions (e.g. prolonged dry periods or rainfall patterns). NOTE Where there is hard surfacing near to newly planted trees, careful design can be used to supplement irrigation needs. This can be achieved by using permeable surfacing, directional drainage channels, or other methods where natural rainfall is directed into the rooting environment.
• 11.3.7 If the use of irrigation tubes is proposed, it should be fully assessed in relation to the site constraints. NOTE The use of irrigation tubes does not necessarily preclude the need for top o watering.

• Appendix 2 BS3998:2010 Section 7.4 Formative pruning

The main aim of formative pruning is to produce a tree which in maturity will be free from any major physical weaknesses and which will complement the management objectives for the site. The term “formative pruning” can also be applied to more specialized practices, e.g. utility pruning (7.9.2), pollarding (7.10), cutting overgrown hedges (7.11), pleaching, the results of which are sometimes likened to a hedge on stilts, and more formal types of pruning, e.g. cloud pruning. If, in order to influence the

structure, shape or size of a tree crown, formative pruning has been started in the nursery, any pruning at or soon after planting should be kept to a minimum in order to retain an adequate leaf area. Formative pruning should normally be resumed three to five years later, but if the tree has been allowed to develop an unsuitable branch structure, some of the branches may be shortened or removed at an earlier stage of establishment.

The early removal of all the lowermost branches should, however, be avoided if possible, as it could impair the development of a sturdy taper in the stem. If branches need to be removed or shortened to deal with undesired patterns of growth, this should be done in stages so as not to remove too much leaf cover at any one time. Ideally, none of the selected branches to be removed should exceed 20 mm in diameter at the point of attachment to the stem. At least two-thirds of the height of the tree should always consist of live crown. Within areas of high usage or formal plantings, potentially weak unions in young trees should be managed so that only one dominant stem or branch continues to grow from such a union. Where the total removal of an unwanted co-dominant stem or branch would create a large wound, it should instead be shortened, thus causing it to lose dominance.

• NOTE 1 Failure to manage co-dominant leading shoots might eventually lead to compression fork weakness and thereby necessitate premature felling so as to safeguard people and property. If two branches are crossing each other and likely to rub together, one of them should be removed or cut back so that further contact between the branches is avoided (see Clause 10 for restraint and support systems as an alternative).
• NOTE 2 If crossing branches are in contact with each other, frictional damage or altered growth patterns could eventually lead to loss of strength or possible fracture. When one of a pair of crossing branches is cut and the remaining branch would be left weakened and/or exposed and therefore likely to break, it might also need to be cut.