I didn't really have a plan for today. There were a couple of things that needed attending to, but I had no definite objectives. Now this is usually a recipe for inactivity, but today turned out to be quite productive.
I probably failed to mention that Rob is a tree consultant, and the large Ash by our gate caught his eye when he was here at the weekend. He asked if there had been a large bracket fungi on the trunk, and I confirmed that it had. Before you could say "Jack Robinson" Rob was up a ladder and knocking around the site of the fungus with a hammer. He advised that there were definite signs of internal rot, and, as a minimum, he recommended that one large branch was removed, and the tree's crown was reduced and reshaped. He said that it would probably last another fifteen or twenty years, but it is definitely approaching the end, and felling should also be considered.
As a consequence of this free consultation, we arranged for our local hedge layer-cum-tree feller to come and take a look. Tom arrived early this morning and advised that a) he was surprised we hadn't had it felled before, and b) it was too big a job for him. 30% then took it upon herself to seek out the services of a local tree surgeon to come and give us a quote ... watch this space.
Next on my list was to top up the syrup feeder on Hive #6, the nuc I established on Saturday. I then grabbed a paintbrush and applied a coat of protective oil to the bottom rails of both gates.*
I then headed out for my usual walk with Hobson and Traitorous Bastard. As is usual, I had my phone with me and the Google fit app recored a walk of 2.7 miles taking me approximately 6,300 steps. The reason for recording this statistic is that I then went on to mow the lawns at the back of the house. My phone was now telling me that I had covered 11,600 steps and walked a total of 4.5 miles.
I think it is fair to say that I got a reasonable amount of exercise today.
I can also report that the weedkiller that I applied to the veg patch has taken effect, and it will soon be time to mow the tops of the weeds and get the Rotamatiser out. I had used two different brands of glyphosate, but there was absolutely no difference in performance. It'll be Resolva from now on, as it is far better value than Roundup!
I also took a wander up to the apiary and spent a few minutes watching the bees return to the hives. I have noticed that a few bees returning to hives #2 and #3 are bringing in pollen. This is usually a sign that there is brood in the hive, which might indicate that these hives have successfully raised replacement queens ... I may give these hives a full inspection this coming weekend.
So that was Tuesday. It is quite sad that our tree is reaching the end of its life, but I am well aware of how much damage could be caused if it falls. I am also pleased that two of the colonies may have raised new queens in the past few weeks.
Definitely a day of mixed feelings.
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* TP and Rob had kindly helped me move them at the weekend, so the bottom rails were accessible.
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