Binley Woods, Coventry
Private Resident
When a Resident Notices a Split in a Tree
It started with a photograph.
A resident contacted Beechwood Trees and Landscapes after noticing a significant split developing down the middle of an oak tree on their property. The photograph they sent immediately highlighted why they were concerned.
When a tree develops a significant crack or split, it can be a sign of a structural weakness. Depending on the location and severity of the defect, there can be an increased risk of part or all of the tree failing.
The important thing is not to ignore it or attempt to deal with the tree yourself.
The first step is to have the tree assessed by a qualified arborist. A professional assessment can establish the condition of the tree, consider its surroundings and determine what action is appropriate.
In this case, our assessment identified that the oak required removal due to its condition.
The Tree Was Protected by a TPO
There was another important consideration. The oak was protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
We liaised with the Tree Officer at Rugby Borough Council, explaining the condition of the tree and the work required.
Due to the severity of the split and the risk it posed to people, authorisation was obtained quickly, allowing us to proceed with the sectional felling of the oak.
This meant the work could be carried out safely and appropriately while following the requirements associated with the protected tree. The tree has to be replaced with another oak tree.
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Why This Wasn't a Straightforward Tree Removal
The condition of the oak and its position on the property meant that careful planning was essential.
The tree was considered unsafe to climb, so conventional climbing access was not suitable. Instead, we used a MEWP to provide safe access to the tree and allow our team to carry out the work from a controlled working position.
The tree's location also meant it could not be felled in one piece.
A sectional felling approach was therefore required.
Rather than bringing the whole tree down at once, the tree was carefully removed in controlled sections. This allowed the team to manage the weight and movement of each section and minimise the potential impact on the surrounding area.
For this type of work, planning is just as important as physically removing the tree. The team needed to consider access, positioning of equipment, the working area, the surrounding property and how each section would be safely handled.
Using Specialist Equipment
The MEWP was a key part of the operation.
Because the tree was unsafe to climb, it provided the team with a safer way to access the upper parts of the oak and carry out the sectional felling.
Once sections had been removed, the ground team managed the material and timber as the work progressed.
A tractor and trailer were also used as part of the operation to handle and remove the timber from site.
Using the right combination of equipment meant that the job could be planned around the specific challenges presented by this particular tree, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Sectional Felling the Oak
With the necessary authorisation in place, the equipment positioned and the work area prepared, the team began the sectional felling.
The oak was carefully worked through section by section, with the team controlling the removal throughout the process.
This approach was particularly important because of the tree's compromised condition. When dealing with a tree that has a significant structural defect, the method of removal needs to reflect the risks identified during the assessment.
The aim was not simply to remove the tree. It was to do so in a controlled and planned way, using the appropriate equipment and working methods for the site.
The photographs from the job show the process from start to finish, including the MEWP in operation, the team carrying out the sectional felling and the equipment used to manage the timber.
Get Your Free Quote Now!
You can reach out to us anytime, and we’ll respond as quickly as possible! Our core hours are 8am - 4pm, but don’t hesitate to leave a message outside these times, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
What the Customer Said
The resident was extremely pleased with how quickly and professionally the work was handled and took the time to send us some fantastic feedback:
“I just wanted to say that your guys have been amazing today and done a fantastic job of taking down our oak tree.... Again, absolutely amazing, thank you for sorting it down quick too.”
Feedback like this means a great deal to our team, particularly when a job starts with a resident being understandably concerned about the safety of a tree on their property.
Our final photograph from the job shows the team in front of the felled oak, marking the completion of the work.
The Finished Job
Once the sectional felling was complete, the immediate concern for the resident had been resolved.
The oak had been safely removed and the site cleared of the resulting timber.
For the resident, this meant one less thing to worry about. What had started with a photograph showing a concerning split had resulted in a carefully assessed and professionally managed tree surgery operation.
The TPO also remains in place.
This is important because the protection associated with the tree does not simply disappear because the tree has been removed. As part of the requirements, a replacement tree will be needed.
This helps maintain the long-term value and tree cover associated with the protected site.
Customer Feedback
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If you notice a significant split, crack or other sudden change in a tree, don't ignore it.
You should also avoid attempting to climb, cut or remove the tree yourself. A tree with a significant structural defect can behave unpredictably, and working on it without the appropriate equipment, training and assessment can create unnecessary risk.
Instead, arrange for the tree to be assessed by a qualified arborist.
The assessment should consider the size and location of the split, the condition of the tree, its surroundings and the potential consequences of failure. From there, the appropriate course of action can be determined.
That might mean monitoring the tree, carrying out remedial work or, where the tree presents an unacceptable risk, carrying out removal.
Every tree is different, which is why professional assessment is so important.
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This oak tree is a good example of why concerns about a tree should be taken seriously.
The resident noticed something wasn't right and raised the concern rather than waiting for the situation to deteriorate.
From there, the process involved professional assessment, consultation with the local authority, TPO authorisation, detailed planning, specialist MEWP access and controlled sectional felling.
The result was a safe and carefully managed operation that addressed the immediate concern while also respecting the requirements of the existing TPO.
If you have noticed a significant split, crack or other change in a tree on your property, don't take the risk yourself. Get it assessed by a qualified arborist.
Beechwood Trees and Landscapes provides professional tree surgery and arboricultural services across Rugby, Coventry and the wider West Midlands.
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It is a legal protection placed on a tree, group of trees, or woodland by a local planning authority because the trees are considered to have significant amenity or environmental value.
Operational staff with the felled tree in the residents garden after finishing the majority of the sectional fell. Photo Credits: Private Resident