Thread: Hug your loved ones, and often

My sincerest condolences. Mere words cannot ease your pain, but take full advantage of the support so freely offered here and I'm sure elsewhere. You are in my thoughts.

Hi again,

Have done some google research and spoken with 3 professional tree guys in the East of Melbourne. Conversation was about lopping the Stringy Bark down to a reasonable sized stump and leaving it like that for 15-20 years. Common points to note:

1. Be sure there are no permit (to fell/cut) requirements from your local authorities.
2. Given emotional bearing of the tree, employ someone else to cut as precisely instructed and poison (round up, or equivalent) fresh cut(s).
3. If stump is to be less than 5 metres and has no lean to it, stop here. Job is good for 15-20 life of memorial. 2 of three tree guys agreed even termites would not bring it down during that period, just lighten it from the inside.
3b. The third tree guy said you could guarantee 20-25 years life by treating the stump with similar preservatives/pesticides as a light/elec'y pole. Google/Wikipedia described these as:
- Historically... Creosote;
- Now... Pentachloraphenol, copper naphthenate and borates.
Note: These treatments are not nice stuff to play with and no idea of where you get them from. Also bear in mind to get the level of preservation of a light pole you would have to expose as much of the root system as possible and treat it as well.

Suggest steps 1-3 would be right for the job and just add in a mild dose of linseed oil (which from memory showed up under preserving chainsaw stump carving on google) every now and then to keep a "well looked after" appearance.

Hope this info helps with your decision.

Dave

Originally Posted by DT-P38

Hi again,

Have done some google research and spoken with 3 professional tree guys in the East of Melbourne. Conversation was about lopping the Stringy Bark down to a reasonable sized stump and leaving it like that for 15-20 years. Common points to note:

1. Be sure there are no permit (to fell/cut) requirements from your local authorities.
2. Given emotional bearing of the tree, employ someone else to cut as precisely instructed and poison (round up, or equivalent) fresh cut(s).
3. If stump is to be less than 5 metres and has no lean to it, stop here. Job is good for 15-20 life of memorial. 2 of three tree guys agreed even termites would not bring it down during that period, just lighten it from the inside.
3b. The third tree guy said you could guarantee 20-25 years life by treating the stump with similar preservatives/pesticides as a light/elec'y pole. Google/Wikipedia described these as:
- Historically... Creosote;
- Now... Pentachloraphenol, copper naphthenate and borates.
Note: These treatments are not nice stuff to play with and no idea of where you get them from. Also bear in mind to get the level of preservation of a light pole you would have to expose as much of the root system as possible and treat it as well.

Suggest steps 1-3 would be right for the job and just add in a mild dose of linseed oil (which from memory showed up under preserving chainsaw stump carving on google) every now and then to keep a "well looked after" appearance.

Hope this info helps with your decision.

Dave

Great stuff Dave, thanks so much for researching all that for me. Sounds fairly straight forward and within my capabilities.will get onto it very soon. Much appreciated.
Regards, Bill.

Bill,

I have been away for a few days and only just read your very sad post. I had the pleasure to meet you and your lovely wife last year albeit for only a short period of time.

All I can say I am very saddened to hear of your loss, and please accept my condolences.

Garry

Hi Bill, I too have been away from the forum for a few days, and I have only just read this thread. I lost my twin brother the same way, and while this is not the same as losing your Wife, I just wanted to pass on my and my family's most sincere condolences.

Remember the good times, and don't be afraid to get help if you need it yourself for any reason - I'm sure you are only too aware of all of this, but keep your family and friends close at a time like this, and - like others have offered - if you ever need someone to talk to - on the phone, on the forum or in person, I'm always here.

Hang in there mate - Gav

Originally Posted by wagoo

If there are any Arborists on the forum I would appreciate some advice on how to preserve the tree where my wife chose to spend her final moments.She expressed wishes that her ashes be returned to Vietnam to reside beside her late parents, so for me and others the tree will be her grave site to pay our respects, and I want to mount a laminated, weather protected photo of her to the tree.
It is an approx 20 year old stringy bark gum around 15 mtrs tall,50cm dia with a forked trunk beginning about 3mtrs from ground level .It was partially scorched on one side in the 2009 bushfires. Although the tree is still alive, the unburnt core is exposed from ground level to the fork junction. the width of the exposed section of core is about 20cm and the bark has grown in such a way as to seal the vertical edges of the exposed area. There is evidence of some rot at ground level. one leg of the fork is almost dead.
If it is thought that the tree cannot be saved I would like to cut the trunk down to a stump approx 1.5 mtrs tall to prevent the wind from blowing it down and mount the photo to the bevelled top of the stump. Any advice on termite proofing what would then be the dead tree stump would also be appreciated. I would like this memorial to last at least 15 years if possible.
Bill.

Bill, there are probably ways to save the tree if you prefer that option.

I know the guys who appear in this programme.
Catalyst: Tree Deaths - ABC TV Science
If anyone can tell you how to save the tree, they can.

If you would prefer that option I can ask them.

Bill, I don't know you, but I read you first post and had nothing to say as the tears fill my eyes.
I took your advice, it can't be wrong.

I'm hear now again some days later with tears again, still have nothing to say.
But you have changed my life.

thanks

I'm going through quite a busy period leading up to my wifes funeral, and won't be able to maintain this thread for a few days. I tried to reply a couple of times here yesterday, but my posts have obviously disappeared into Interspace.
I caught up with some confused and distressed souls from my wifes mutual support group yesterday (her second family with the EACH group) to reassure them of the deep love she held for them all. We dedicated the weekly hike through a national park to her memory, and they kindly invited me into their fold.
Other good news is that that my 14 year old step daughter, whom I feared would accept the options offered to her to live with her Vietnamese relatives has decided to continue her life at home here with me.
Thanks once again for all messages of support.
Bill.