Tree Safety Clearance at Forder Creek, Saltash, Cornwall

Project Snapshot

This project involved making a section of tree line bordering the green at Forder Creek, Saltash safer, ahead of a busy summer fete taking place there.

The tree line contained several dead and dangerous trees and branches that presented a potential risk to members of the public and the nearby public right of way. With the event deadline getting close, the work needed to be carefully planned and completed within the required timeframe.

As the area is part of a protected nature reserve, the right permission had to be obtained from the local council before any tree work could begin.

The project involved technical tree climbing, controlled removal of hazardous branches and trees, public access management, and specialist rigging to safely dismantle a large broken oak limb that had become caught within the surrounding canopy.

The Challenge

There were several factors that made this project more complicated than a straightforward tree removals.

The tree line bordered a well used public right of way, meaning there was a constant need to consider members of the public while carrying out the work. With the summer fete due to take place there soon, the area needed to be safe within a specific timeframe.

The trees themselves presented access and climbing challenges. Some dead and potentially dangerous trees and branches needed to be removed from the tree line, requiring some technical climbing and controlled dismantling rather than simply being able to fell the trees from ground level.

One of the biggest challenges was a large oak limb that had previously snapped away from the main tree but was caught up within the branches.

This created a dangerous situation. Simply cutting the limb could have allowed it to swing or fall unpredictably, so it needed to be carefully rigged and controlled to allow it to be safely freed from the canopy.

Because of the protected nature of the site, we also had to ensure that the planned work was appropriate for the location and had received the necessary approval before starting.

The Solution

Before beginning work, we worked through the necessary permissions with the local council due to the sites protected status as a nature reserve.

Once permission had been obtained, the work was carefully planned around the public right of way and upcoming summer fete.

During the work, public access through the area had to be controlled to keep pedestrians safely away from falling timber and climbing operations. This allowed the work to continue while reducing the risk to members of the public using the route.

Our climbers then carried out a systematic inspection and removal of the identified hazards throughout the tree line.

The dead and dangerous trees and branches were removed using technical climbing and controlled dismantling techniques, allowing timber and branches to be brought down safely rather than allowing material to fall uncontrolled into the surrounding area.

Specialist Oak Limb Rigging

The large broken oak limb required particular care. Although it had snapped from the main tree, it had become suspended and tangled in the surrounding branches. This meant the limb could not simply be cut and allowed to fall.

We ended up using rigging techniques to take control of the limb before making the necessary cuts. This allowed us to gradually lower it from the surrounding canopy and bring it down in a controlled manner.

This type of situation is a good example of why damaged trees can require specialist arboricultural knowledge. A branch that appears to be simply "hanging" can contain a considerable amount of stored energy and can move unpredictably once it is cut free.

Managing the Public Right of Way

Because the tree line bordered an area used by the public, site safety and access management were an important part of the job.

While climbing and dismantling the trees, we controlled access through the working area to prevent members of the public entering the drop zone.

This was particularly important when removing larger branches and dealing with the suspended oak limb.

By managing the right of way and coordinating the work carefully, we were able to carry out the tree work while keeping the surrounding area as safe as possible.

The Results

The identified dead, dangerous and unstable sections of the tree line were safely removed, significantly improving the safety of the area ahead of the summer fete.

The large broken oak limb was also successfully dismantled and removed from the canopy using controlled rigging techniques.

The work provided the customer with:

• A safer tree line bordering the green

• Removal of dead and dangerous branches

• Safe removal of the broken oak limb

• Reduced risk to members of the public

• A safer public right of way

• Work completed ahead of the summer fete deadline

• Careful management of a protected nature reserve

The project required a combination of technical climbing, specialist rigging, public access management and careful planning. Working within a protected nature reserve also meant ensuring the appropriate permissions were in place before the work began.

Need Help With Dangerous or Storm Damaged Trees in Saltash?

Whitefords Tree Care provides professional tree surgery, tree removal, dangerous tree work, storm damage clearance and hedge services throughout Saltash, Cornwall and surrounding areas.

If you have a dangerous tree, dead branches, storm damage or trees bordering a public area, we can assess the situation and recommend the safest and most practical approach.

Contact Whitefords Tree Care today for friendly advice and a free quotation.