I am breaking my heart as my copper beech, planted when the house was built in 1863, is losing her leaves and shedding her beech nuts for the final time. This magnificent tree has quietly been suffering from spiral fractures, caused I think by the increased winds / lack of shelter in the years since the mature pine woods behind my house were cut down by the local authority. Even if I had known and realised, the way the tree has grown would not have allowed for any suitable pruning or support.... and now the end is near and I am so sad, so sorry - - with a tree like this I thought I was a custodian, sharing maybe 50 or 60 years with it till the next guardian took over; instead I am the person who has - reluctantly - had to accept the advice of professionals and the evidence of my own eyes that the time has come.....and I can't bear it.
But neither can I risk the tree falling onto the road, harming someone.
So - what I am hoping is that some of the poor tree's wood can be seasoned and then made into a piece of furniture (there are two or three local craftsmen in this area)for the house or garden.
I have gathered nuts to plant and grow -- there are already different ages of offspring of this tree in the garden.   
Trying to think positively - - but crying inside.