Aerial Tree Works
Stonbury was contracted to reduce forty-nine Lombardy poplars located outside an operating office which were posing a public safety hazard.
The trees, which were around 100 feet tall, were affected by high winds and were at risk of falling on to the public footpath and road below. It was decided to remove the top third of each tree, to ensure safety but retain the trees.
Due to the confined nature of the space, a simple fell was not appropriate – each section needed to be lowered in a controlled manner. The footpath was closed prior to works beginning as a precaution.
To avoid multiple climbs and having to tie safety ropes at such great heights, the operatives were attached to a crane via a separate cable, and manoeuvred between the trees. A second cable was attached to the trees allowing the crane to take the weight whilst the cuts were made. The felled sections were then lowered safety to the ground.
This method was the safest way to tackle trees of such a great height.
