Newcastle-under-Lyme: Safety-Critical Tree Removal

N&J Tree Services Ltd were instructed to undertake the removal of four mature trees at Priory Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, following ongoing inspection and monitoring which identified safety concerns requiring arboricultural intervention.

The works involved two mature Beech trees affected by Meripilus giganteus (Giant Polypore), a mature Sycamore displaying significant physiological decline and extensive deadwood throughout the crown, and a mature Ash tree affected by Ash Dieback.

Project Scope

The two Beech trees had been monitored for approximately three years due to the presence of Meripilus giganteus, which can cause decay within the root and buttress areas and increase the potential for structural failure. The Sycamore had also been subject to ongoing monitoring, with its condition deteriorating significantly during the previous 12 months.

Tree Removal in a High-Target Location

The site presented a number of challenges due to the surrounding high-target areas, including a heavily used pedestrian route providing access towards Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre and nearby schools, adjoining residential properties, and major A and B roads carrying significant volumes of traffic.

Due to the condition, size and location of the trees, careful planning was required to ensure the removals could be completed safely while minimising disruption to residents, pedestrians and road users.

Delivery Approach

N&J Tree Services Ltd carefully planned and coordinated the arboricultural works, including arranging the required traffic management to establish a safe working area and protect pedestrians, residents, road users and the operatives undertaking the works.

Prior to commencement, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council carried out a letter drop to residents along the service road adjacent to Priory Road, providing advance notification of the planned works and associated access restrictions.

Controlled Tree Dismantling and Specialist Rigging

Due to the size and location of the trees, and their proximity to the carriageway and surrounding infrastructure, controlled dismantling techniques were required.

N&J's experienced climbing teams dismantled the Beech and Sycamore trees using specialist rigging techniques, allowing sections of the crowns and stems to be carefully lowered into designated areas.

This controlled approach reduced the potential for damage to the carriageway and surrounding infrastructure while allowing the arboricultural teams to maintain control of the timber throughout the dismantling process.

Removing an Ash Tree Affected by Ash Dieback

For the Ash tree, the presence and progression of Ash Dieback meant that climbing was not considered the preferred method of access.

N&J therefore utilised its 21m tracked spider MEWP, allowing the arborist to work from a protected platform and progressively dismantle the tree without placing unnecessary loading on potentially compromised branches.

The combination of experienced climbing teams, specialist rigging techniques and mechanical access allowed the most appropriate working method to be selected for each individual tree based on its condition, location and associated risks.

Site Safety and Traffic Management

All works were undertaken in accordance with site-specific risk assessments and the planned traffic management arrangements, with close coordination between the arboricultural teams and traffic management operatives throughout the project.

Project Outcome

All four safety-critical trees were successfully dismantled and removed in a controlled manner, with the works completed safely and with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

Advance planning, resident notifications and coordinated traffic management ensured that the works could be delivered efficiently within a busy residential and highway environment.

The project demonstrates N&J Tree Services Ltd.'s ability to plan and deliver complex, safety-critical tree removals, combining experienced climbing teams, specialist rigging techniques, mechanical access equipment and traffic management coordination to safely undertake arboricultural works within high-target locations.