Tree Removal & Sectional Felling

Information about tree removal and sectional felling

When sectional felling may be needed

Sectional felling is often required when a tree cannot be safely felled into an open space.

It may be used where trees are close to:

• Buildings, extensions or outbuildings
• Roads, pavements and public areas
• Phone lines, fences, sheds or garden structures
• Neighbouring properties or boundaries
• Other trees, planting or landscaped areas
• Sites with limited access or restricted working space

How sectional dismantling works

Once the team has inspected the tree and agreed the safest method of work, the climber will access the tree and install the main climbing rope from a suitable anchor point.

Work usually starts from the lower branches, with the tree dismantled in controlled sections. Where required, a rigging system is installed to allow branches and stem sections to be lowered safely and steadily to the ground.

The ground team is responsible for controlling the lowering of the tree sections. For heavier pieces, a friction device may be used to help manage the weight and improve control.

Using a MEWP

Before work begins, Norfolk Trees will inspect the tree carefully. If the tree is diseased, unstable or unsafe to climb, a MEWP may be used instead.

A MEWP, or Mobile Elevating Work Platform, allows the tree surgeon to access the tree safely from a platform rather than climbing the tree.

Norfolk Trees has trained MEWP operators with IPAF qualifications.

Equipment and safety

Tree dismantling often requires specialist rigging equipment. This equipment is used to lower sections of the tree in a controlled way, especially where there are obstacles or limited space below.

Norfolk Trees uses modern rigging equipment which is inspected by a competent person daily and independently inspected annually under LOLER requirements.

Training and experience

Sectional felling requires experience, planning and the ability to adapt to different tree structures and site conditions.

Norfolk Trees staff hold NPTC units for sectional felling and dismantling. The team also undertakes regular training and practice to keep work safe, efficient and controlled.

Professional tree 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.