Tree Surgeons in Reigate | Directional Felling to Remove Trees Safely
There are two different techniques used by tree surgeons for removal works in Reigate. Whereas sectional dismantling is the preferred way to take down trees in an area where the directional fall could cause damage to property or harm to people, bringing down trees when there is sufficient space for controlled falls is a traditional technique.
This blog post discusses directional felling in detail.
Shipton Tree Services has a skilled team of tree surgeons and, being based in Surrey, we can provide responsive services in Reigate. When trees pose a threat, or are decaying or diseased, book in for a tree removal and we will come out to assess condition and suggest ideas.
If it is safe to do so, directional felling will be our main choice.
When is Directional Felling Used?
Directional felling sees tree surgeons making cuts with chainsaws or other specialist equipment to make notches and hinges on trunks. The purpose of the notches and hinges is to guide the fall so a tree can land in an open area but without causing harm to people, and damage to properties, whilst also preserving the environment’s condition.
Tree surgeons in Reigate use directional felling if:
- There is sufficient space on a property for a tree to fall and not hit any buildings, neighbouring trees and power lines
- Land is being prepared for development and obstacles have been cleared so nothing is sitting close to the trees on a site
- The tree has a natural lean that takes it away from a building and the trunk is accessible for tree surgeons to make cuts
We also use directional felling in Reigate for planned processing.
The Directional Felling Process
Directional tree felling is a method of bringing trees to the ground in specific, and controlled, directions. Before cuts are made, tree surgeons assess the tree's lean and weight, the trunk condition, if there is wind, and nearby obstacles such as buildings or power lines and other trees which might be sitting close to a Reigate property.
Based on assessments, we plan safe landing zones and escape routes.
The first cut is the directional notch, which is made on the side of the trunk facing the intended direction of fall. This notch creates an opening that guides the tree as it begins to tip. Next, back cuts are made from the opposite sides of the trunk to leave a section of uncut wood called the hinge. The hinge acts like a flexible pivot.
This steers a tree and controls its movement while it falls
As the back cut approaches the hinge, your tree will gradually begin to lean towards the notch. If necessary, wedges can be inserted into the back cut to prevent saws from becoming trapped and to encourage the tree to fall in the planned direction. Once trees start to move, tree surgeons immediately follow pre-planned escape routes at a 45° angle, away from the direction of the fall, while remaining alert to falling branches, unexpected movements and other dangerous issues.
A systematic approach reduces the risks of property damage, improves safety for our tree surgeons and provides greater control over where the tree lands. This makes it a standard technique for professional tree felling and other forestry or arboricultural works in Reigate.