In June 2025, we were instructed by St Clements Parish Church in Chorlton-cum-Hardy to dismantle and remove a large, mature Beech tree located in the churchyard. The tree had become a serious hazard — both structurally and in terms of public safety — prompting urgent action by the church.
The site presented a number of challenges, including public access, conservation status, ensuring safety of the nursery, and visible signs of fungal infection and decay.
Why the Tree Was Removed
This tree had dropped a large limb, damaging the boundary fence between the church and a neighbouring forest school. This incident led the vicar to contact us for urgent advice and assessment.
Upon inspection, we identified:
Advanced signs of Ganoderma applanatum, a decay fungus known to weaken Beech trees from the inside out
Ongoing limb dieback and deadwood in the crown
Evidence that due to the fungus present, the tree’s heartwood was spongy and decayed, increasing the risk of further failure
Located within a conservation area, the tree’s removal was approved under a 5-day notice due to its condition and the immediate risk it posed to the public, nursery, and church property.
Planning and RAMS
Given the complexity of the job, we developed a comprehensive Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS), covering:
Working at height using a tracked MEWP (Spider Lift)
Public safety, including cordoning off the church car park, pedestrian routes, and ensuring the nursery remained clear of the exclusion zones
Environmental protections and responsible waste disposal
Full team and equipment list, insurance documentation, and A&E contact information
All permissions were secured in advance, and the site team were briefed daily before work began.
Method and Execution
The job took place over three days, with the full Woodfelder Tree Care team on-site.
Day 1 – Dismantling the Crown:
MEWP access was used to safely reach and dismantle the upper crown
Sections were lowered using controlled rigging or free fall techniques to avoid further damage to the fence or surroundings
Day 2 – Felling and Processing:
With the crown removed, we moved to dismantling the large main stem
- The large stem was felled using directional felling techniques with the aid of pull lines
Significant volumes of timber were processed on site — over 10 tonnes
The decay in the heartwood was extensive, confirming that felling was the correct decision
Day 3 – Heavy Lifting and Site Clearance:
A 26-tonne tree wagon was brought in to lift and remove the large timber sections
Final clearance included chipping remaining brash, tidying the site, and treating the stump
All arisings were disposed of at a registered green waste facility
Outcome
The job was completed on schedule, without significant disruption to the nursery or public access. The vicar was pleased with the outcome, noting our team’s professionalism, clear communication, and attention to safety throughout.
By the end of day three:
The hazardous tree had been fully and safely removed
The boundary area was clear and safe
All fungal-infected timber had been taken off-site for disposal
Need Help With a Dangerous Tree?
We specialise in safe removals of hazardous and diseased trees — especially in sensitive sites like churches, schools, and conservation areas.
Our services include:
Full RAMS and planning for complex removals
Tree assessments and TPO/conservation area liaison
MEWP and rigging capabilities for technical dismantles
Certified, insured, and professional teams
If you’re responsible for a public site and need advice on a high-risk tree, contact us for a free site visit and clear, practical recommendations.