Ash Tree Crown Raise in Duloe, Liskeard

Project Snapshot

This project involved carrying out professional tree surgery work on a mature ash tree in Duloe near Liskeard. The tree was positioned alongside a busy Cornish lane with branches extending over active telephone lines, requiring careful dismantling and traffic management throughout the work.

The main objectives were to safely raise the crown away from the overhead lines, remove deadwood throughout the canopy, and assess the overall condition of the ash tree to determine whether it could be safely retained rather than removed completely.

Following inspection, the tree appeared healthy enough to preserve, allowing us to carry out targeted management work instead of unnecessary felling.

The Challenge

Working beside a narrow and active Cornish lane created several challenges from both a safety and access perspective. Traffic management was required throughout the project to ensure passing vehicles, pedestrians, and the work area remained safe while branches were dismantled overhead.

A major consideration was the presence of telephone lines running directly beneath sections of the canopy. Overhanging limbs needed to be carefully dismantled in a controlled manner to avoid damaging the cables or causing unnecessary disruption.

As with many mature ash trees, there was also the possibility of underlying weakness or disease within certain limbs. Before climbing and carrying out any cutting work, the structure and condition of the tree were carefully assessed to identify any potentially weakened areas and ensure safe working practices could be maintained throughout the job.

Deadwood throughout the canopy also presented an additional hazard, particularly above the roadside and near the utility lines.

The Solution

After carrying out a full assessment of the ash tree and surrounding work area, we established safe traffic management measures before beginning climbing operations.

Using controlled dismantling techniques, branches overhanging the telephone lines were carefully removed in smaller sections to minimise risk and prevent any impact to the cables below.

The crown was then raised to provide improved clearance from the overhead lines while maintaining the natural shape and balance of the tree.

All deadwood identified within the canopy was removed to improve overall safety and reduce the risk of future branch failure near the roadside.

Throughout the project, extra care was taken while working within the ash tree due to the potential for weakened timber associated with disease or decay. Every cut and anchor point was carefully considered to ensure the work could be completed safely and efficiently.

Once all tree work had been completed, the site was thoroughly cleared, with all timber, branches, and debris removed before leaving the property clean and tidy.

The Results

The ash tree was successfully managed and preserved while achieving safe clearance around the telephone lines and roadside.

By carrying out targeted crown raising and deadwood removal instead of full removal, the customer was able to retain a mature and otherwise healthy tree while significantly improving safety around the property and nearby utilities.

The completed project provided:

• Improved clearance from overhead telephone lines

• Removal of hazardous deadwood

• Safer roadside conditions for passing traffic

• Preservation of a mature ash tree

• A clean and tidy site upon completion

The customer was very pleased that the tree could be retained rather than removed completely, while still resolving the clearance and safety concerns around the lane and utility lines.

Need Professional Tree Surgery in Cornwall?

Whitefords Tree Care provides professional tree surgery services across Cornwall and Devon, including crown reductions, crown lifting, deadwood removal, tree removals, storm damage work, and hedge maintenance.

Whether you are dealing with overhanging branches, roadside trees, dangerous deadwood, or utility clearance work, we are always happy to help with friendly advice and free quotations. You can contact us by phone or leave us a message with the form below.