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Committing an Illegal Act of Tree Preservation

Dave HedgehogDave Hedgehog Posts: 377
in Problem solving

Near to a local woodland area there is an expanse of concrete wasteland that nobody seems to know who it belongs to. It is thoroughly neglected to say the least, and has been for decades.

One the verge are four seriously unhealthy Greengage plum trees. Several years ago, they were magnificent specimens and covered in juicy plums that few people picked as most people have no idea of what they are. Each year, I picked a very small amount (yes, naughty bit of foraging) and left the rest to the wildlife to feast upon.

Roll on about four years and the trees  have gotten worse by the year and are over-crowded, have only shrivelled blackened plums, are succumbing to diseases and fungal issue due to the immense overlapping foliage and associated issues with unkempt fruit trees. 

I know it's illegal and controversial but after Bob's post about his Greengages, it has inspired me to do something for nature. I'm not removing or killing any wildflowers but have a desire to prune these trees to perfection and now is the time to do it.

In their current state, it seems a crime against nature not to do so. On the other hand I will be committing a crime for the sake of preservation of nature. Do you think it's idiotic or a worthwhile endeavour? The chances of getting busted are slim BTW|!

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  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391

    If you wear a coverall of some type, nobody is even likely to notice and certainly not ask what you are doing! image

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530

    I agree.  Wear a hi-viz waistcoat, shabby work boots and safety specs, and people will think you're meant to be doing it.  It's very noble of you to leave fruit for the critters, it's one of my favourite fruits and I'd want to eat the lot!  It sounds like a good site for a community garden!

    Last edited: 29 July 2017 17:01:46

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,870

    Wear a Hi-vis jacket ... no one will question that.  

    We'll keep lookout for you

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,695

    I agree, look like you're official and no one will notice.

  • ClaringtonClarington Posts: 4,949

    I own a white landrover defender with a flashing light on it. I can assure you that when you're wearing a high viz vest no one ever questions you! 

    Call it gorilla gardening.

  • Linda Taylor2 2103213618Linda Taylor2 2103213618 Posts: 400

    Dave......................prune the trees...we are with you!!!!!image

  • Dave HedgehogDave Hedgehog Posts: 377

    Thanks for your support guys, it means a lot; was expecting some rather negative approaches but they're all to the contrary. The Hi-Viz jacket and/or overalls approach is a truly great idea. Thank you image

    Certainly makes the balaclava and a set of running shoes method a less desirable approach!!!

    Trust me. This will be done and the before and after pics will be posted! 

    Last edited: 29 July 2017 17:57:41

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,097

    Good on you Dave. I think everyone's right - wear the right gearand no one will think you're doing soemthing you shouldn't  image

    If anyone asks - just say  'you ain't seen me. Right? '  a la Fast Show. image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530

    Dave, did you seriously think anyone on this forum would discourage you? image.   You might want to practise saying "I'd tell you who I'm working for, but then I'd have to kill you."

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,052

    High Viz vest AND a clipboard.

    Devon.
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