Tree felling where the site has room for it

Felling and sectional dismantling both take a tree down safely, but they suit different sites. Felling relies on space: the tree is cut so that it falls in a chosen direction, into a cleared area. Sectional dismantling starts at the top of the tree and works down, removing each section under control, so it needs far less room.

Neither method is automatically better. A felled tree can leave a larger area of disturbed ground than a tree lowered in sections, while dismantling takes longer and costs more in some cases. The assessment compares the options for your tree and explains the trade-offs. Our tree removal service covers both approaches and how the choice is made.

Felling is usually considered for a single tree in an open garden, paddock or woodland edge, where the tree leans or can be made to lean away from buildings, paths, fences and overhead lines. It also needs ground that can take the crew and any equipment, and an area where the trunk can land and be cleared.

It is less suitable for tightly planted gardens, trees with heavy lean towards structures, or trees whose internal condition makes the fall hard to predict. In those cases, we will say so and suggest an alternative.

Before any cut is made, we look at the tree's lean, its weight distribution, any visible decay or cracks, and the ground around the base. We identify a planned direction of fall, the exclusion zone needed to keep people and property clear, and the escape routes for the crew.

The proposal states the intended direction of fall, the area to be cordoned off and how long the exclusion zone is expected to be in place.

• Clear drop zone: the space the tree will fall into must be free of people, vehicles, structures and other trees we are not removing.
• Access during work: paths or gates may need closing for a period, and neighbours may need notice. We will agree how this is handled before work starts.
• Ground and slope: wet or sloping ground changes how equipment can be used and where the trunk can safely be brought to rest.
• Landing area and wood: decide in advance where logs, brash and chippings will go, and whether they are to be removed or left.

Once the tree is down, its stump remains unless it is dealt with separately. Our stump removal service describes the method offered, how access affects it and what to expect from the ground afterwards.

Felling a tree is dangerous, and the risks are not always visible from the ground. We do not provide instructions for felling trees yourself. If you are considering the work on your own land, arrange an assessment with a qualified crew before anyone picks up a saw.