Storm Damaged Oak Tree Clearance in Liskeard, Cornwall

Project Snapshot

This project involved clearing a large fallen oak tree in Liskeard after severe winter storms caused the tree to collapse into a hay field. The fallen tree was preventing access for farm machinery and risked damaging both the grassland and harvesting equipment ahead of the summer hay season.

Due to limited access across the field, careful planning and alternative equipment solutions were needed to safely remove the timber and clear the site efficiently.

The Challenge

The oak tree had completely fallen across part of an active hay field used for seasonal harvesting. Leaving the tree in place would have made it difficult for tractors and machinery to pass cleanly through the field and could potentially have caused damage to both equipment and the ground during harvesting.

One of the biggest challenges was access. Vehicle access near the tree was extremely limited, meaning all chainsaws, fuel, safety equipment, and tools needed to be transported a considerable distance across the field.

On the day we were lucky the sun was shining and the ground was dry, as this made traction of the qaud very good. As the trailer was relativly small it took 4 trips back and forth to clear all the wood we cut up.

Another important consideration was keeping disruption to the land to a minimum. Heavy machinery crossing wet or soft ground can often cause unnecessary damage to fields, especially during wetter months in Cornwall.

The Solution

To improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary manual handling, we arranged the use of a quad bike and trailer for the day. This allowed us to transport chainsaws, fuel, tools, and equipment safely in and out of the site while significantly reducing time spent walking equipment across the field.

The fallen oak was then processed and logged into manageable firewood lengths before being extracted from the field using the quad and trailer system.

Rather than removing all brush material from site, smaller branches and brash were cut down and carefully laid into the existing hedgerow line.

This approach helped to:

• Reduce removal time and overall project costs

• Minimise disturbance to the surrounding land

• Create additional habitat for wildlife

• Allow the material to naturally break down and compost over time

On every job we acess the situation and whats feasible for us and the customer and access is always one of those hurdles that take some problem solving to achive.

Once timber had been extracted back to the main access point, the logs were loaded into our tipper vehicle for removal from site.

The Results

The fallen oak tree was fully cleared from the hay field, restoring safe and clean access for tractors and harvesting equipment ahead of the summer season.

By adapting the equipment used on-site and working with the existing landscape, the project was completed efficiently while minimising unnecessary ground disturbance and reducing overall waste removal costs.

The customer was left with:

• A fully cleared field access route

• Reduced risk of machinery damage during harvesting

• Minimal disruption to the surrounding land

• A cleaner and safer working area moving forward

The customer was very happy with how little disruption we created on his grass as it was getting to a good harvesting growth. using a smaller access vehicle was essential to this. saving us alot of time and effort removing the wood.

Need Help With Storm-Damaged Trees in Cornwall?

Whitefords Tree Care provides professional tree surgery, storm damage clearance, tree removal, and hedge work throughout Liskeard and surrounding areas across Cornwall & Devon.

Whether you are dealing with fallen trees, dangerous limbs, blocked access routes, or storm damage on farmland or domestic property, we are always happy to help.

See below to contact Whitefords Tree Care today for friendly advice and a free quotation.