What is tree felling?

Tree felling is the arborist technique of cutting down a tree. It’s a dangerous process which, compared to 100 years ago, has modernised to become far safer. No longer are the days of hand-chopping a tree to the cries of “Timber!”. All professionally trained tree surgeons have strict rules in which they operate. Therefore, arborists combine the skills of tree climbers, rope harnessing and machinery to efficiently fell a tree. Even in the tightest of spaces.

What are the reasons for tree felling?

A most common service, tree felling can be cut to the stump or completely removed. This depends if the tree is to live to regrow. Depending on the health of the tree, this can be advised by our qualified tree surgeon.

Here are some common reasons for felling of trees or tree removal services exist:

  • Increasing landscape space in the garden;
  • Improving the view from a home or office;
  • The tree’s roots are causing a problem for the health of the tree;
  • Death of disease of the tree;
  • Removal for structures to take place;
  • Damage to nearby property is imminent;
  • Some people just don’t like trees.

There is an alternate option to tree felling for some of the reasons above. These include crown raising and crown reduction.

Our Norfolk based arborists can advise on the most suitable option for your vision.

What are the methods of tree felling?

As mentioned previously, tree felling is extremely dangerous. The process of felling of trees is very methodical and strategic.

Firstly, our expert tree surgeons will assess the area where the tree is to be felled. They are looking for:

  • Ways to Protect the surrounding area from debris;
  • Harness points for rigging equipment;
  • Safe areas for felled sections to be moved into;
  • Bypassing obstacles or public routes nearby.

Safety when tree felling is a huge priority to avoid damage to the surrounding area and the public.

Secondly, once a risk assessment of the area has been completed, a plan of action will be in place. Tree climbers, arborists and any machinery needed will work together to complete the task.

In most scenarios, the tree will be felled in sections. The removal of the canopy and smaller branches will take place first. Followed by the cutting down of the tree trunk in “logs”.

The debris is hoisted down safely and can be kept on-site for future use. In most cases, a wood chipper is used efficiently remove any debris.

Other machinery may be needed on-site depending on the risk of the task. For instance, a crane can be needed if the tree is too large. Scissor lifts can be used to safely reach high areas.

Tree removal vs tree felling?

They might be some of the most beautiful features of the Great British landscape in general, but nevertheless, there are some instances when they have just got to go. It could be that a tree has become dangerous or simply a nuisance for any number of reasons. In any case, you’ve made the decision to get rid of the tree and get rid of the tree you shall.

The question is how best to go about it?

Is tree removal necessary?

Well, the first thing to think about is whether or not it is really necessary for the tree to be removed. Generally speaking, tree surgeons and arboreal experts in general believe that tree removal should be considered as a last resort only. That said, there are certainly instances in which tree removal is more than justified, which include the following:

  1. When a tree is damaged, diseased or dead and poses a danger to the surroundings.
  2. Trees that are situated in an area that for any given reason needs to be repurposed.
  3. If the tree is dangerously close to your property or is encroaching onto the property of others.
  4. When a tree is in danger of falling due to damage or its positioning in general.

We work with our clients to provide our expertise and knowledge and make a decision on whether your tree would benefit from felling or total removal. 

In all duties we undertake, it’s essential we perform tree felling and removal to industry-leading levels by:

  • protecting the surrounding area from damage and debris;
  • ensuring safety to the staff and the public.

Our tree climber and professional tree surgeons use up to date PPE, advanced rigging technology and skilled machine operators to get the job completed as quickly and safely as possible.

The tree removal process

Exactly what is involved in the tree removal process will come largely down to the size, position and condition of the tree. What’s more, the service packages offered by tree maintenance and removal companies often differ significantly from one to the next. As such, whichever business you decide to hire to get the job done, be sure to ask exactly what is and is not included, before going ahead. 

The first step in the process is to carry out a full inspection of the tree and its surroundings, in order to come up with the best possible approach for dismantling and removing it. After this, the time comes to begin slowly and carefully dismantling the tree, which usually means first removing branches and limbs, starting from the bottom and working upwards. If there is sufficient space to fell the entire tree all at once, this may be the simplest option. Nevertheless, it is often necessary to scale the tree and gradually dismantle it from the top-down, one piece at a time.

If it is necessary to remove the stump of the tree as well, this can be an intensive job in its own right. Once the tree has been successfully dismantled, it is a case of them chipping, grinding or in some way processing the wood into smaller and more manageable pieces, in order to be used or disposed of accordingly. As there are thousands of uses for waste wood and wood chips, we ensure that absolutely nothing goes to waste and highly recommend making use of as much of what is left over as you possibly can.

Regulations regarding tree removal

One extremely important thing to bear in mind is that depending on where you live and the size, nature and location of the trees you wish to get rid of, there may be red tape to overcome, before getting started. This is particularly true in instances where trees are of a large size or in some way encroach onto the property that does not belong to you. As such, it is a good idea to get in touch with your local council before getting started, in order to ensure that you do not unknowingly break any rules.

For more information or to discuss our tree removal services, get in touch with the Target Trees customer service team today.

     

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