Case Studies
December 2024 Bats in bat boxes
Bats using tree mounted bat boxes for hibernation
Out with tree surgeons today to crown reduce an oak tree, which had bat boxes on its trunk. A check using a torch showed two hibernating common pipistrelle bats. The event became a tool-box talk from me, on bats their ecology, behaviour and the law.
Hibernation is a very sensitive time for bats. Bats can lose 2/3 of their body weight during hibernation, and disturbing them will use up vital fat reserves, which can lead to them not surviving through winter.
Having carried on would have disturbed the bats with noise and vibration, or worse still damaged the bat box, all which are illegal, but also not ethical. On site, it was initially a bit of a shock to the contractors, but they were happy to reschedule the proposed crown reduction work to spring when the bats are more active.
Bats don’t have to be a problem for tree work or mess up your day, they just need to be considered at a planning point, when quoting/surveying and put systems in place to protect bats from disturbance, injury and/or death, whilst protecting yourself from litigation. Just to note, all bat boxes need checking by a licenced ecologist immediately prior to the proposed work.
The client was really happy with the news of her new lodgers, so win win!
Think bats before you work!
A wooden bat box
A wooden bat box fix to the tree, the bat box needed checking with a torch, which is a licenced activity and can nly be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist.
Hibernating bat
It was December and the bat will be hibernation. The diagnostic features showed that this was a common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus).
October 2024
Olive Tree Pruning
Olive tree pruning
Olive trees are becoming more common in England, with people finding their architecture attractive. I always wondered how olive trees are pruned to get these marvellous shapes. With the England being a damp country, Olives are prone to a few diseases, like: Olive leaf spot and Olive scab to name a few. So clients are increasingly asking me questions about their precious olive trees. I have been looking into how to reduce these common disease problems and opening up their canopy is the answer.
Pruning out the centre is key
Selectively pruning out the centre of younger trees, opens up the canopy and lets air pass through it easier, reducing damp areas. This can be also enhanced by thinning thicker areas out and encouraging grow on the crown's extremity.
Pruning
Pruning out the new central epicormic growth should be carried up annually. Heavier pruning is often carried out every two years, to keep the passage of air through the crown. Here the extremities can be lightly thinning in combination with reducing to form the desired shape, whilst maintaining tree health.
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