Safe and Professional Tree Removal

There are many reasons why a tree may need to be removed. It may have become unsafe, suffered significant storm damage, declined through disease, outgrown its available space or be affecting a planned construction or landscaping project.

At Ross Giles Tree Surgery, we provide professional tree felling and dismantling services using methods selected according to the tree, its location and the surrounding site.

The two principal methods we use are direct felling and aerial dismantling. Both ultimately achieve the same objective — removing the tree — but the way in which the work is carried out can be very different.

What Is Direct Tree Felling?

Direct felling involves removing the tree from ground level in one controlled operation. This method can be suitable where there is sufficient open space for the entire tree to fall safely without damaging buildings, fences, vehicles, utilities or other valuable property.

Before any direct fell, the surrounding area needs to be assessed carefully. The size, lean and condition of the tree all need to be considered, together with weather conditions and the available landing space.

When Can a Tree Be Felled Directly?

Direct felling is most appropriate when the site provides a sufficiently large and clear drop zone. Every tree and location is different, so suitability should be established through an on-site assessment rather than assumed from appearance alone.

• There is adequate clear space around the tree
• No buildings are within the intended fall area
• Vehicles and other property can be kept clear
• The tree can be safely controlled from ground level
• The surrounding ground provides a suitable working area
• The condition of the tree allows the method to be used appropriately

Why Is Aerial Dismantling Used?

Aerial dismantling provides much greater control over how a tree is removed. Rather than relying on a large open space, individual branches and trunk sections can be dealt with one at a time.

This makes the technique particularly useful when trees are growing close to homes, garages, conservatories, roads or other features that need to be protected during the work.

Specialist Lowering Equipment

Specialist rigging and lowering equipment can play an important role when dismantling trees above sensitive areas.

Instead of allowing large branches or timber sections to fall directly to the ground, ropes and appropriate lowering systems can be used to control their movement.

The exact technique depends on the tree, the size of the material being removed and the space available beneath it.

Choosing Between Felling and Dismantling

There is no single removal method that is suitable for every tree. The correct approach should be selected after assessing both the tree itself and the environment in which it is growing.

Factors that can influence the method include:

• Tree height and overall size
• Available space around the tree
• Proximity to houses and other buildings
• Condition of the tree
• Direction of natural lean
• Nearby roads, paths and access points
• Garden structures and landscaping
• Safe access for workers and equipment

A professional assessment allows the most appropriate tree removal method to be planned before work begins.

Removing Trees Near Buildings

Trees growing close to houses can present particular challenges. Branches may extend above roofs, conservatories or neighbouring gardens, while the main stem may be located only a short distance from the building itself.

In these circumstances, aerial dismantling may allow the tree to be reduced carefully from the top down. Individual sections can be managed according to the available space rather than relying on a single large fall zone.

Detailed planning becomes especially important where access is restricted or where several surrounding features need protection.

Our Tree Removal Process

Preparation is an important part of professional tree removal. Before work starts, the tree and surrounding area should be examined so that potential hazards and restrictions can be identified.

When Might Tree Removal Be Necessary?

Tree removal is not always the first option. In many situations, pruning or other tree management work may be more appropriate. However, circumstances can arise where complete removal becomes the practical solution.

• The tree has become structurally unsafe
• Serious decline or damage has occurred
• A tree has been severely affected by storms
• The location is no longer suitable for the tree
• The tree is affecting an approved development project
• Long-term management is no longer practical

Direct Felling vs Aerial Dismantling

The principal difference between the two techniques is the amount of control required during removal.

Tree Felling and Dismantling from Ross Giles Tree Surgery

Every tree removal project presents a different set of challenges. The size and condition of the tree, available space and surrounding property all need to be considered before deciding how the work should proceed.

Ross Giles Tree Surgery uses direct felling where the location allows and controlled aerial dismantling where additional care is required around buildings and other property.

Find out more about our tree felling and aerial dismantling service and discuss which approach may be appropriate for your property.