Deadwood Removal & Tree Safety

Information about deadwood removal and tree safety

When deadwood removal may be useful

Deadwood removal is often recommended when dead branches could create a safety risk or affect the appearance and management of the tree.

It is commonly used to:

• Remove large dead branches from trees near roads, footpaths and buildings
• Reduce the risk of branches falling during strong winds
• Improve safety in gardens, public spaces and commercial sites
• Inspect the crown for other potential hazards
• Remove diseased, damaged, dying or crossing branches where appropriate
• Improve the appearance of some trees, including softwoods such as cedars and pines

How deadwood is assessed

When deadwood removal is carried out, the tree surgeons will inspect the crown for other potential hazards. This may include diseased, damaged, dying or crossing branches, many of which can become hazards if left within the crown.

In most cases, larger deadwood will be removed or stabilised. Smaller deadwood may also be removed, often down to around 40mm, depending on the tree, its location and the level of risk.

Deadwood removal can usually be carried out at any time of year and should not affect the health of the tree when completed correctly.

Techniques used

Our tree surgeons will generally climb the tree when removing deadwood, as in many situations not all areas of the crown can be accessed safely or effectively with a MEWP, also known as a Mobile Elevating Work Platform.

The method used will depend on the tree, site access, surrounding hazards and the safest way to complete the work.

Deadwood, wildlife and tree health

Deadwood can provide habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife, so removal should be considered carefully rather than carried out unnecessarily.

Where a tree is away from high-risk areas and the deadwood is not likely to cause harm, some deadwood may be left in place for habitat value. Where a tree is close to people, property, roads or public access routes, larger deadwood should usually be removed to help manage risk.

Professional deadwood removal by Norfolk Trees

Norfolk Trees was established in 2002 by Ashley Barnes and operates throughout Norfolk and East Anglia. Our tree surgeons are fully qualified for the work they undertake and have experience across all aspects of tree care.

Our work includes dismantling, felling, crown lifting, crown reductions, dead wood removal, formative pruning, tree surveys to BS5837, tree hazard reports, pest and disease diagnosis, bat inspections, stump grinding or treating and tree planting.

Clients can be confident in the quality of our work. Norfolk Trees holds £10,000,000 public liability insurance and all work is carried out to BS3998:2010.

In addition to domestic tree work, we undertake commercial work for local authorities, parish councils and other organisations, including the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland Council, Serco, South Norfolk Council, Broadland Council, NCC Highways, KierMG and Anglian Water, along with numerous other clients.

We are also approved by the Norfolk County Council, and are CHAS Accredited through the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.