Veteran and Ancient Trees

Ancient trees: that are old in comparison with other trees of the same species and usually hold characteristics such as retrenched canopy with large trunk girth, sometimes with internal hollowing in wood.

Veteran trees: can be of any age but share some of the above and below characteristics such as hollowing, canopy retrenchment, die back, natural damage, gnarly knobbly branches etc. Ancient trees are all veterans but not all veteran trees are ancient trees 

Veteran and Ancient trees are irreplaceable structures that hold significant biological, aesthetic and cultural value as well as playing an important role in nature as Habitat Havens! Often a living symbol of time providing valuable data on climate and environmental factors in a given area along with studies of physiological changes, allowing us to better understand trees. Any works require careful planning and consideration with an ongoing management plan, acting as temporary custodians as most veteran and ancient trees will certainly out live us! Management of these trees is focused at maintaining the longevity and health for as long as possible using industry best practices combined with detailed surveys to prevent any avoidable loss.
Some problems ancient trees can suffer with is over pruning, ground compaction through livestock, public and vehicle access, dominance from surrounding faster growing species taking the light, ground water pollution from field run off and road salting.
- see pictures below for some of our favorite examples of ancient and veteran trees - some over 1000 years old.