Environment and History
Trees moderate local climate, for example, typically saving 10% of energy comsumption for adjacent buildings. Trees significantly reduce air pollution, stabilise soil, prevent erosion and reduce storm water run-off. Trees have a positive impact on the incidence of asthma, skin cancer and stress-related illnesses. Trees are the key to urban ecosystems supporting all other wildlife; this in turns provides an attractive, relaxing setting for recreation and work; this in turn strengthens neighbourhood communities, in addition to increasing property values by up to 18% (cf research by the National Urban forestry Unit).
Many of our common tree species typically live for many hundreds of years. The older a tree becomes, the more its environmental value increases. The priceless heritage of our very oldest trees is only now just beginning to be properly appreciated and cared for. An unhidden treasure of ancient 'veteran' trees almost by lucky accident remains to be discovered in Ireland.
Ancient trees are a unique and rare wildlife habitat to thousands of other organisms in addition to being things of beauty and wonder in themselves.
The greatest threat to trees and especially to ancient trees is not death but mis-understanding: the danger of inappropriate tree surgery, damage by grazing animals and/or indirectly through unsympathetic management of surrounding land.
Many of our tree surveys uncover ancient trees, most commonly on demesne/estate lands. Such trees are often spectacularly large in girth or height. Exceptional specimens are being included in the Tree Council's Tree Registry of Ireland - forming a national record of our oldest and largest trees.
We have techniques of ageing trees without physically damaging them, and we can use such age estimation to answer both historical and legal questions in relation to critical landscape trees.
Ireland's finest and largest tree populations typically exist within historical demesnes. Trees form the backbone of these landscapes and are a prime consideration in implementing overall landscape strategies.
Our extensive experience within these unique and beautiful sites is centred upon conserving the best of the site's present environment. We begin with a tree survey, often just of the priority areas. This records the present condition of the tree resource existing on site. The survey identifies significant tree-related hazards and specifies the minimum tree work necessary to protect public safety. It also establishes a botanical and historical record of the site, and for example helps inform new planting design, etc.
The tools of essential tree work and sympathetic new tree planting can enhance
and rejuvenate many such treasured landscapes. Please contact us for an initial discussion.
