Photo Diary: Dismantling a Diseased Tree

This Copper Beech stands within a conservation area on Osborn Road, Fareham. A six week notification of works normally has to be adhered to. In this case however the tree is diseased and is classed as “dead, dying or dangerous” under the legislation therefore it only requires 5 days notice.

We communicate clearly with the tree officers on all tree-related matters.

Strict regulations govern safety equipment used by tree surgeons to ensure their own safety and that of others around them. This includes proper signage, especially when working within the vicinity of the general public and roads.

The canopy of the Copper Beech is intermingled with the canopies of the other trees. This makes it unsafe to fell as the upper branches may become caught leaving several tonnes of timber hanging over a busy public road.

Branches are removed from the bottom upwards. This ensures that anything later dropped or lowered does not become entangled.

We aim to minimise any damage to the surrounding trees where this does not infringe on the safety of the crew.

This tree has a garden fence and sewer drain directly below it. Tree sections are carefully lowered to prevent any damage.

After the lower branches have been removed work on the upper canopy can begin.

Once the top of the tree has been carefully removed there is now plenty of room for it to be safely felled from the base falling well clear of any obstacles.

With just the stem remaining the tree is finally felled from ground level and cut into rounds.

In this case the customer decided to keep these for seasoning and future use as fuel.