Tree Felling In London
London Tree Surgeons has NPTC-qualified tree fellers ready to provide fully insured tree felling in London.
With multiple teams of highly skilled tree surgeons and modern tree-felling tools and machinery, we can safely fell any London tree.
We offer a complete range of BS3998-compliant tree felling services from sectional and straight tree felling to mechanical and crane-assisted felling.
Safe and efficient tree felling requires expert knowledge, and our experienced arborists and tree surgeons possess both.
At London Tree Surgeons, we hold a £10 million public liability insurance policy, suitable for both commercial and domestic projects.
Our London-based tree company is well-accredited, maintaining approvals from CHAS, SIPP, and ConstructionLine.
We’re dedicated to the satisfaction of all our customers, and have hundreds of 5-star reviews across multiple platforms.
What is tree felling?
In simple terms, tree felling is the process of cutting down a tree. Tree felling is often necessary for reasons such as removing dead, diseased, or dangerous trees to prevent damage or injury, for commercial logging, or to clear sites for development. There are basically two ways to fell trees: section tree felling and straight tree felling, and the method used generally will depend on the space available.
What is Section/Sectional Tree Felling?
Section/Sectional tree felling is a technique for safely dismantling a tree into manageable sections, rather than cutting it down in one piece. Section/Sectional felling is favoured when space is limited, or when its position presents a risk to nearby property. It involves the controlled lowering of branches and the trunk to the ground using ropes and other rigging equipment.
Our Section/Sectional Tree Felling Service in London
To begin a section/sectional tree felling, our team first needs to gain secure access to the crown. A qualified tree surgeon will either use professional climbing techniques or, if the site allows, utilise a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) or a Crane. Once positioned, the work starts by removing the largest branches. We carefully lower large limbs using ropes to control their descent and prevent any damage from occurring below. After we dismantle the main canopy, we move to the trunk, which we cut into smaller, manageable sections that are then individually lowered. We rely on specialist rigging equipment and techniques, such as lowering ropes or, in some cases, a crane, to ensure that every piece comes down in a safe and controlled manner. The main reasons for this controlled approach are safety and property protection. Ultimately, sectional tree felling is the safest method for felling a tree in London, considering environmental restrictions and limited access.
For a free section/sectional tree felling quotation, contact London Tree Surgeons today.
What is straight tree felling?
Straight tree felling is the process of cutting a tree down in one piece, right from its base. This technique is only suitable for open areas where there’s plenty of room for the whole tree to fall safely. Straight tree felling involves making two precise cuts: a directional notch cut at the front and a horizontal back cut to guide the tree’s fall. Tree surgeons often use wedges, ropes, and winches to help control the direction of the fall.
Our Straight Tree Felling Service in London
Before our qualified tree fellers make any cuts, the most critical step is planning. They’ll assess the tree’s natural lean, wind conditions, and the surrounding environment to identify any hazards. The goal of the assessment is to evaluate the level of risk and calculate where the tree will land. If we decide straight felling is the most appropriate felling method, we then clear the landing zone and establish a clear path of retreat for safety.
The actual felling involves making two key cuts at the base of the trunk:
- The Notch Cut: This is a wedge-shaped cut made on the side of the trunk facing the intended direction of the fall. The notch cut acts as a hinge that guides the tree.
- The Felling Cut: This is a horizontal cut made on the opposite side, stopping just short of the notch. The small section of wood left between the two cuts is called the hinge, and it’s what controls the direction and speed of the fall.
We often use felling wedges and sometimes ropes or winches to assist in guiding the tree and preventing the saw from getting pinched. Once we cut the hinge to the correct thickness, the tree begins to fall in the designated direction.
For a free directional/straight tree felling quotation, contact London Tree Surgeons today.
Does tree felling completely remove the tree?
When we provide a quote for tree felling in London, unless asked otherwise, we will always include the removal of the tree in the cost.
Technically, tree removal is a different process from tree felling; however, London-based clients rarely request a standalone felling service.
Tree removal is the process of removing a tree from a location after it has been felled. Visit our tree removal London service page for more information.
If you would like to retain the branches or trunk from your tree, please notify us so we can adjust our tree felling quote accordingly.
Also, our tree felling and tree removal services do not include stump removal/stump grinding.
For details about stump grinding, visit our stump grinding London service page.
