In the 1970's more than 20 million Elm trees were affected by 'Dutch Elm' disease. Recently, one of the last remaining trees was identified on Council land in Bromsgrove West Midlands with the opportunity to propagate from a disease resistant tree.
Facelift were called in with their 22m Ascendant to allow safe and easy access to all areas of the tree. The machine was operated to allow the surgeon to concentrate on the job in hand, with the hydraulic controls allowing for precise movement and positioning of the cage giving ample room for surveying and diagnosing any problems with no fears of damaging the Elm. The platforms manouverability allowed examination of lower and upper branches, choice propagation, removal of dead branches and some trimming and general maintenance by Ringways tree surgeons. The opportunity was taken to use the MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) to further survey each side of the tree and take any equipment needed to treat the tree in the cage - the Ascendants working cage load of 280kg providing further key advantages and its fly jib allowed the men to reach over any obstructions.
The County Council organised for Kemerton Conservation Trust, a local charity that aims to conserve wildlife and places of beauty to collect the cuttings from the tree. Most importantly The Trust and Pershore College have jointly formed the RELIC project (Replanting Elms In the Countryside) to identify and replant disease resistant native elm trees in the British countryside.