Overview

When Place Services, a public-sector provider working on behalf of Essex County Council, identified a compromised tree in Lawford, they turned to us for professional and safe removal.

The issue arose when an adjacent tree failed in high winds, causing the affected tree’s root plate to lift and compromise its stability.

With public safety paramount, our team executed a carefully planned operation to dismantle and remove the tree efficiently.

The challenge

Compromised root plate: The tree’s root structure was disturbed after an adjacent tree failed in high winds, making the tree unsafe.
High traffic area: The tree was located close to a road and roundabout, requiring controlled traffic management.
Public safety and access: Ensuring the safety of pedestrians meant closing a nearby footpath while work took place.

The approach

Initial assessment and planning

Our team collaborated closely with Place Services to assess the root plate damage and decide on the best removal strategy.
A site-specific risk assessment was performed, taking into account the tree’s proximity to the road and pedestrian walkways.

Traffic management

Three-way traffic lights were installed to effectively manage vehicle flow around the roundabout.
The adjacent footpath was closed to maintain a safe perimeter for our operatives and the public.

Specialist equipment

A tracked Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) was employed to dismantle the tree in a controlled and safe manner. This approach minimised the risk of debris falling into traffic and allowed for precise removal.

Expert team

Our operatives – Tony, James, and Will – were on-site to ensure all aspects of the removal were conducted professionally. Their combined expertise and efficiency reduced downtime and disruption.

Results and impact

Safe tree removal: The compromised tree was dismantled swiftly and methodically, preventing potential hazards from occurring due to future extreme wind or weather events.
Minimal disruption: By coordinating with Place Services and implementing a clear traffic management plan, the team kept local disruption to a minimum.
Public safety maintained: No incidents or accidents occurred on-site, and the footpath closure ensured pedestrian safety throughout the operation.
Positive collaboration: Working alongside Place Services demonstrated our commitment to compliance and maintaining partnerships.

Conclusion

This project highlights our ability to manage urgent and potentially hazardous tree removals in sensitive, public-facing environments.

Through careful planning, the use of specialised equipment, and a skilled team, the tree was removed safely and efficiently – ensuring that public spaces remained protected, and traffic continued to flow with minimal inconvenience.

For more information about our tree management services, please contact us today to discuss how we can help safeguard your environment.