Tree Felling In Nottingham
Cutting down a tree is permanent, so the decision deserves proper thought and the work demands careful planning and precise cutting. WRS Tree Services Limited provides safe, controlled tree felling in Nottingham, and we'll only recommend removal when it's genuinely the best option.
- Honest advice on whether the tree can be saved.
- Directional felling or sectional dismantling to suit the site.
- Permission and nesting bird checks before any cutting.
- Stump and replanting options agreed in advance.
- Timber recycled into firewood and mulch.
When Should A Tree Be Felled?
Felling is a last resort, as many problematic trees can be saved with the right pruning or crown reduction treatment.
Removal becomes the sensible choice when the risks can't reasonably be managed any other way, including:
trees: branches
become brittle and
unpredictable.
defects: decay, cracks or weak forks can leave a tree unable to support its own weight.
damage: a split tree, or one that has lost most of its crown, may not be safe to keep.
the wrong place: a fast growing species
too close to a building will keep
causing problems.
Felling Trees Close To Buildings
On clay soil, a large tree draws water from the ground and the clay shrinks.
Once the tree is removed, the clay can rehydrate and swell, pushing upwards in a process known as “heave”, which can damage foundations as badly as subsidence.
If you suspect a tree is affecting your property, speak to your insurer and a structural engineer before arranging any felling.
They may recommend removing the tree gradually so the soil can rewet slowly.
How A Tree Is Brought Down Safely
The method depends on the tree's size, condition and above all, the clear space around it.
Directional Felling
Where there's enough open ground, the tree is felled in one piece. A wedge-shaped notch called the “sink” is cut into the side facing the direction of fall, then a back cut is made from the opposite side.
The strip of uncut wood left between the two cuts is the “hinge”, and it steers the tree into a cleared drop zone. Felling wedges or a lever are used to help the tree over.
Sectional Dismantling
In most gardens there isn't room for a tree to fall, so our tree surgeons take it down from the top in manageable sections. Branches and heavy pieces hanging over roofs, greenhouses or borders are tied off and lowered on ropes, using friction devices to control the weight, so nothing drops onto your property.
Large Scale Felling & Clearance
In Beeston, we removed a row of 52 Conifers for a new housing development.
The site's location meant the work had to be done overnight, so we brought in large machinery to minimise disruption to local residents,
and all 52 Conifers were felled and cleared in five hours.
In Lenton, we felled a large willow at a commercial site after extensive rot was found in its stem.
Permissions You May Need
Trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order need council consent before they can be felled. In a conservation area, any tree with a trunk over 7.5cm in diameter, measured 1.5 metres above ground, needs six weeks' written notice to the council.
Dead protected trees don't need a full application, but many councils still require five working days' notice unless the tree poses an immediate danger. Felling licences aren't needed for trees in private gardens.
Wildlife Checks Before Felling
Every tree is checked for nesting birds and roosting bats before work begins. Cavities, deep splits, woodpecker holes and loose bark can all hide bat roosts, and if bats may be present, specialist advice is needed before the tree comes down.
Stump Removal & Replanting
Decide what happens to the stump before felling, as it affects how the tree is cut.
Options include grinding it out, cutting it low or leaving a tall stump as a wildlife habitat.
We also plant trees, and can suggest a replacement species that suits your soil and space.
If a protected tree is removed with consent, a replanting condition is often attached.
What Affects The Cost Of Tree Felling?
- Height and spread: bigger trees take longer and produce more timber.
- Access: narrow side passages and small back gardens increase timings.
- Surroundings: trees near buildings or lines need dismantling and rigging.
- Condition: decayed or storm damaged timber needs extra care.
- Stump work and waste: grinding and larger clearances add to the job.
You'll receive a clear written quote once we've conducted a site assessment.
Tree Felling Questions
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Can I cut down a tree in my garden without permission?
Usually, yes, as garden trees don't need a felling licence. You will need consent if the tree has a Tree Preservation Order or stands in a conservation area, so always check first.
-
Can you fell a tree that's right next to my house?
Yes, in most cases, by dismantling it from the top down and lowering each section on ropes.
-
Will felling a tree stop subsidence?
It stops the tree drawing more water, but on clay soil it can trigger “heave”. Always take advice from your insurer and a structural engineer first.
-
Is there a best time of year to fell a tree?
Trees can be felled year round, although autumn and winter work avoids the main bird nesting season. A deciduous tree without leaves is also lighter and produces less waste.
Request A Quote For Tree Felling
If you're thinking of removing a tree, a quick conversation could save you money or even save the tree.
Call us on
0115 971 3590
to arrange a visit and talk through the safest way forward.