Project: Removal of 28 dead ash trees and an unstable boulder
Location: Commercial site
Crane: 110-tonne mobile crane
Working alongside: Devon Lifting Services
Tree contractor: First Cut Trees & Landscaping
The Project
First Cut Trees & Landscaping were brought in to remove 28 dead ash trees from a steep cliff face above a commercial building and supplier’s unit.
Due to the condition of the trees, steep ground and buildings directly below, conventional felling wasn’t an option. The trees needed to be removed in a controlled way without allowing timber to fall down the cliff or towards the buildings.
There was also a large boulder that had become loose on the cliff face, which needed to be safely removed as part of the works.
Planning the Works
For a job of this nature, planning and communication were just as important as the tree work itself.
We worked closely with Devon Lifting Services to put together a lift plan for a 110-tonne crane, taking into account the position and estimated weight of the trees, lifting radius, surrounding buildings and the limited access available.
Detailed Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) were also prepared before work started.
As we were working alongside a principal contractor on a commercial site, all works had to be carefully coordinated to ensure the required health and safety procedures and site controls were followed throughout.
Carrying Out the Tree Work
Our lead climber, Jake, was lifted into position using the crane, allowing him to access the trees on the cliff face.
Heavy-duty chains were secured around the appropriate points within each tree before Jake descended to the base. Once the tree was properly secured and communication had been established with the crane operator, the tree was cut at ground level.
The crane then lifted the complete tree away from the cliff face, over the commercial building and into a designated processing area at ground level.
This process allowed the trees to be removed in a controlled manner without dropping timber onto the steep bank or putting the buildings below at unnecessary risk.
The operation was repeated until all 28 dead ash trees had been safely removed.
Processing the Trees
Once each tree was lowered into the processing area, our ground team dismantled it into manageable sections.
Branches and smaller material were processed through our Först TR8 tracked wood chipper, while larger timber was cut down and dealt with separately.
Careful coordination between our climber, ground team and the crane operator kept the operation moving safely and efficiently throughout the project.
Removing the Unstable Boulder
Alongside the tree work, we also dealt with a large boulder that had become unstable on the cliff face.
With commercial buildings directly below, leaving it in position presented an ongoing risk. The boulder was therefore secured and removed using the crane, allowing it to be brought down to ground level in a controlled manner.
Project Completed
The works resulted in the successful removal of 28 dead ash trees and the unstable boulder, removing the immediate hazards above the commercial premises.
This was a challenging site where access, working at height, lifting operations and the protection of the buildings below all had to be considered.
By working closely with Devon Lifting Services and the principal contractor, we were able to plan and complete the works safely while maintaining the health and safety and compliance standards required on a commercial site.
First Cut Trees & Landscaping undertake commercial tree work throughout the South West, including difficult-access tree removals, crane-assisted tree work, site clearance, dangerous trees, tree inspections and planned tree management.
