Sudden branch drop

[holasoydora]

In the summer an enormous oak tree at the edge of our garden dropped a branch. The branch was itself the size of a tree and it fell onto public land. It was sudden branch drop which apparently happens when the tree is trying to conserve water. I am aware that this could have killed someone, luckily it didn't. Thing is I don't really know what to do about it possibly happening again. Any advice? My neighbour thinks that oak trees have stages and that it could be entering a stage (3?) which sounded a bit worrying! I know very little about gardening, or trees by the way.

If it’s your tree you need to get a qualified tree surgeon round to inspect it. If it’s not your tree, then the owner needs to have it inspected.
We used to have a garden with six mature trees bordering a lane that was used by the public. Every couple of years we had all the trees inspected and pruned as necessary.

SBD is not even understood by the experts so is not currently 'foreseeable'. Quite often, what is said to be SBD isn't. It doesn't include branches tearing out from stems for instance, only those breaking beyond the union. If its a council tree, give them a call and ask them if they are aware and if they have had it inspected since.

Thanks for your replies. We had it inspected last year and some dead branches were trimmed for £500 and there was no indication that there was anything amiss. This is what is to me quite scary!

It is our tree but it is in a separate strip of land which I wish we didn't own and overhangs a public walkway, although it is rarely walked on. Not sure if the council would help us. The tree is enormous, and the branch was a very old, thick one. Literally like another huge tree! It broke off a foot ish from the trunk (is that the union?)

My DH is wondering if we need liability insurance?

I can't imagine the council would be able to assist. Most struggle to fund their own tree work. You could ask them though if the tree is protected by tpo or whether it is within a conservation area.
If you are concerned about the safety of the tree, you should get it inspected (for safety) by an arboriculturist. This won't be cheap although should be considerably less than what you paid for a fallen branch to be removed. Go to www.trees.org.uk > find a professional > arb consultant, look on the list, get 3 quotes and see how you get on. Check they have professional indemnity insurance.
Your own home insurance may cover you for injuries or damage caused to third parties by your tree but you would need to check with them.

An old oak may be protected, your actions may be limited so definitely make sure you're insured

My DH is wondering if we need liability insurance?

Absolutely. If you have a public footpath (a highway) crossing your land you have a duty of care to the users.

This might be useful: www.gov.uk/guidance/public-rights-of-way-landowner-responsibilities