Meeting Old Trees

Tree-Space has discovered new old trees this year. Some of the highlights include:

• 100 year old sycamore on Howth Road: The girth of the tree measured 3.15m which relates to an approximate age range of 90-100yrs using the methods of White (1998). The tree had a broad spreading crown, the leaf area and vitality were excellent. The tree was beginning to display veteran features. 

• 160 - 180 year old London Plane at the Elms: The girth of the tree measured 4.5m. The height of the tree was in excess of 20m. The tree had an intense presence on the site with a broad spreading branch structure. The leaf area and vigour were excellent. The tree age estimation by White (1998) considers site type and growing conditions. This tree was estimated to be between 160-180 years old.

• Ancient Beech at Powerscourt Hotel and Gardens: The girth of the tree measured 4.65m, the height of the tree was 26m and the diameter of the crown extended to 20m. The trunk was hollow at the base with 11 buttress roots which appeared to have sufficient sound wood to maintain the structural integrity of the tree. According to Lonsdale’s (2013) girth chart the tree was classified as ancient and using the method of White (1998) estimated to be 280 years old.