Beech Tree Dismantling - Alfreton, Derbyshire

Location: Alfreton, Derbyshire

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When dealing with dead or dangerous trees, particularly those hanging over busy roads or public spaces, professional intervention is not just recommended - it is essential. Property owners, local councils, and businesses with such trees on their premises all require expert Tree Surgeons who can safely remove these hazards without risking damage to surrounding property or endangering the public.

Recently, our Tree Surgeons in Derby completed a challenging project involving multiple dead beech trees in Alfreton that presented significant safety concerns. This case study highlights the importance of professional assessment and specialised equipment when tackling complex tree dismantling operations.

Recently, our Tree Surgeons in Derby completed a challenging project involving multiple dead beech trees in Alfreton that presented significant safety concerns. This case study highlights the importance of professional assessment and specialised equipment when tackling complex tree dismantling operations.

Initial Assessment

Dead trees pose serious risks as their structural integrity becomes compromised over time, making them unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Upon arrival at the site, our Tree Surgeons conducted a thorough assessment of the situation. We immediately identified several critical factors that would influence our approach:

The beech trees were completely dead, significantly increasing the risk of unpredictable breakage All four trees were positioned dangerously close to a busy public road. The advanced decay made conventional climbing techniques unsafe for our Tree Surgeons The location required careful consideration of traffic flow and public safety.

After this comprehensive assessment, we determined that these trees were too hazardous to climb using traditional methods. The brittleness of dead wood creates unpredictable breaking points, making it extremely dangerous to work directly on the trees. This meant we needed to develop an alternative strategy that prioritised both worker safety and public protection.

Determining The Right Approach

Making sure we selected the appropriate method for this particular job was crucial. For living trees, our Arborists might typically use climbing techniques with harnesses and ropes. However, the advanced state of decay in these beech trees made such approaches exceedingly risky.

Our team needed to balance several considerations:

• The structural weakness of the dead trees
• The proximity to a busy roadway
• The size and weight of the beech trees
• The need to section the trees safely
• Public safety requirements

After careful deliberation, we concluded that mechanical access would be the safest and most effective approach for this particular project.

Our Dismantling Solution & Equipment

MEWP Deployment & Benefits

We opted to use a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) for this project. A MEWP, sometimes called a cherry picker or access platform, provided our Tree Surgeons with a stable working platform from which they could safely dismantle the trees without placing direct weight on the compromised structures.

Using a MEWP offered several key advantages for this particular job:

• It eliminated the need for our Arborists to climb the dangerous dead trees
• It provided stable positioning at various heights
• It allowed precise cutting angles for controlled section removal
• It enabled us to reach branches extending over the roadway
• It improved overall safety for our team and the public

The MEWP we selected was appropriately sized for the height of the beech trees, making sure we could access even the highest sections safely. This specialised equipment forms an essential part of our arsenal for situations where traditional climbing is deemed unsafe or impractical.

Traffic Management Implementation

With the trees hanging over a busy Alfreton road, traffic management was a critical component of our project plan. We implemented comprehensive traffic measures to guarantee the safety of both road users and our working team.

Our traffic management plan included:

• Temporary traffic signals to control vehicle flow
• Road signage alerting drivers to the ongoing tree work
• Designated safe zones for pedestrians
• Trained personnel monitoring traffic movement
• Clear communication systems between team members

These measures made sure the work could proceed efficiently whilst minimising disruption to local traffic. The safety of the public remained our paramount concern throughout the entire operation.

The Dismantling Process Step-By-Step

Sectional Removal Technique

With our MEWP positioned and traffic measures established, we began the careful process of dismantling the four beech trees. We employed a sectional dismantling technique, which involves removing the tree in manageable pieces rather than felling it whole.

The process followed these key stages:

1. Our tree surgeon accessed the upper canopy using the MEWP
2. Small outer branches were removed first, working inward
3. Larger limbs were carefully cut into sections and lowered in a controlled manner
4. The main trunk was systematically reduced in sections from top to bottom
5. Each section was safely lowered to the ground using specialised rigging techniques

This methodical approach allowed us to maintain complete control throughout the dismantling process. For dead trees, this control is particularly important as the unpredictable nature of decayed wood requires extra caution and precision.

Ground Crew Coordination

While the aerial work was underway, our ground crew played an equally important role in the operation. They were responsible for:

• Processing the removed sections
• Maintaining drop zone safety
• Managing traffic control points
• Supporting the MEWP operator
• Clearing debris from the roadway

This coordinated effort between our aerial and ground teams made sure the project progressed smoothly and safely. Our Tree Surgeons are trained to work as a cohesive unit, with clear communication protocols established before any work begins.

Results & Site Restoration

All four dead beech trees were successfully dismantled without incident. Despite the challenging nature of the project, our specialised equipment and expertise allowed us to complete the job safely and efficiently.

After the dismantling was complete, our team:

• Removed all timber and brush from the site
• Cleared debris from the roadway
• Restored traffic to normal flow
• Conducted a final safety inspection
• Left the area clean and tidy

The property owner was extremely satisfied with both our approach to the project and the final result. By removing these hazardous dead trees, we eliminated a significant safety risk to the public and nearby property.

If you have concerns about potentially dangerous trees on your property, particularly those affecting public spaces or roadways, contact LSJ Services Ltd for expert assessment and safe removal solutions. Our qualified team provides reliable tree surgery services throughout Derby, Alfreton, and surrounding Derbyshire areas.

Get in touch today on 07870 379879 or email info@lsj-services.co.uk  to discuss your tree surgery requirements.