Complex Tree Removal: Giant Oak Tree
We were approached by a delightful retired couple from Oxford for a quote. Although Oxford is usually a bit too far for us to travel cost-effectively, we were intrigued when we learned that the job was exceptionally challenging and that the couple were having difficulty finding tree surgeons willing to quote for the removal of the giant oak tree.
Project Overview
This job entailed the removal of a large, mature Turkey Oak from the garden of a neighbouring property. The tree was over 20m tall, with a trunk over 1.5m across at the base, situated less than 0.5m from the client’s kitchen wall, with half the canopy overhanging their property’s roof.
To add to the challenge the tree was owned by a developer, who was constructing two new houses next door, located in a Conservation Area (so requiring council consent), and was 4-5m away from one of the main commuter routes into Oxford City Centre, which is always bustling with pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
Despite our love for a challenge, we were initially puzzled as to why a perfectly healthy tree, which had been standing for over a hundred years, needed to be removed. Oxford is a city known for its environmental consciousness, and we anticipated that the removal of a healthy tree would face significant opposition.
However the customer explained that they were planning to sell the house to fund their retirement plans but when renovating the kitchen they had discovered a huge crack in the wall behind some cupboards. The tree was causing the building to lift, resulting in the crack, which made the house unsellable and jeopardised the couple’s retirement plans.
After considering all options, structural engineers concluded that the tree needed to be removed before any remedial work could be done.
Project Challenges
To execute this job, we had to navigate several challenges, including:
- Liaising with the local council’s tree and highways departments
- Closing a bus lane, cycle lane, and footpath
- Negotiating with the tree owner
- Minimising local disruption to ensure the safety of passers-by
- Communicating with locals about the tree removal
- Safely felling the massive tree without causing damage or risk
- Removing 45 tonnes of debris
Tree Removal
We devised a method to safely and efficiently remove the tree, communicated this to the customer, and submitted our quote. Despite the large figure at the bottom of our quote, the client accepted.
We obtained all the necessary permissions to carry out the works, implemented traffic control and installed fencing each day to ensure a safe site, and completed the job a day earlier than planned. Throughout the removal, we engaged with locals who were curious about the proceedings and cleaned up immaculately.
Project Outcome
Our customer was overjoyed, stating that it was worth every penny as they could now proceed with their retirement plans. No complaints were raised about our work throughout the entire process.
Once again, Beechwood made a complex tree problem hassle-free for the customer, delivering a safe and efficient service.
During our time on site, we got to know the couple and learned that we were the only tree surgery company that submitted a quote, suggesting that perhaps our quote wasn’t such a large figure after all.
Contact Us
For further information about our complex tree works services or to discuss how we can help maintain the health and longevity of the trees in your environment, please contact us today.
