We were recently contracted to carry out the removal of a semi-mature Ash tree and ivy severance on behalf of an insurance company, following a subsidence investigation at a residential property in Greater Manchester.
The works formed part of a series of remedial actions recommended by an independent arboricultural consultant, who concluded that the tree and associated vegetation were contributing to subsidence-related movement at the property.
Background
The affected property had developed a significant crack in the brickwork, prompting a structural inspection and subsidence report. The report identified:
A semi-mature Ash tree (approx. 9 metres tall) growing along a boundary fence line
Heavy ivy growth climbing the side of a garden shed and extending toward the building
Evidence of root-related desiccation in the underlying clay soil
The arboricultural consultant concluded that both the Ash tree’s root system and the expansive ivy growth were likely contributing to the drying and movement of the ground beneath the property. Removal of both was recommended as part of the insurer’s remedial works.
Scope of Work
Our brief was to:
Remove the semi-mature Ash tree in full, to ground level
Sever and remove ivy growth from the shed, fence line, and areas close to the house
Carry out the work in a way that avoided any disturbance to neighbouring property and boundary structures
Provide documentation and photos to the loss adjuster and insurance provider upon completion
Site Constraints
The tree was located along a tight residential boundary, directly adjacent to:
A timber fence line separating two private gardens
A small garden shed covered in ivy
There was limited space for dismantling and removal, with soft ground and several obstructions close to the base of the tree.
Method and Execution
All works were carried out over the course of a single day by our experienced team. We began by:
Establishing a secure working zone with signage and barriers
Using rope access and rigging techniques to dismantle the Ash tree in sections
Lowering all limbs carefully to avoid damage to the fence or garden structures
Cutting the tree down to ground level and removing all arisings
Once the tree was safely down, we moved on to the ivy removal:
The main stems were severed at ground level and higher up, preventing regrowth
Ivy was carefully stripped from the shed, fencing, and areas of concern near the property wall
Any remaining vegetation near the foundation line was cleared to prevent further impact on the building
All waste was removed from site, and the area was left clean, safe, and ready for follow-up inspection by the insurance provider.
Outcome
The job was completed without issue, and the client, insurance company, and arboricultural consultant were all satisfied with the outcome.
The removal of the Ash tree and extensive ivy growth has:
Eliminated the likely source of moisture extraction contributing to subsidence
Cleared the building line for further monitoring and/or remedial repair
Prevented potential future damage to fencing and property foundations
Insurance and Subsidence Tree Work
Woodfelder Tree Care regularly works with:
Insurance companies and loss adjusters
Chartered arboricultural consultants
Private homeowners dealing with subsidence or root damage claims
We understand the need for clear documentation, safe removals, and respect for boundary constraints — and we provide all the required paperwork, photos, and follow-up notes to support insurance claims.
If you’re managing a subsidence issue and need trees or vegetation removed as part of your remedial works, contact us to arrange a site visit and quotation.
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Thanks — here’s the updated and final version of your Ash tree and ivy removal case study, now including the detail about treating the stump and ivy with ecoplugs to prevent regrowth. This version is complete, accurate, and ready for use in your marketing or client materials.
Case Study: Boundary Ash Tree Removal & Ivy Treatment – Insurance Works, Greater Manchester
We were recently instructed by an insurance company to carry out the removal of a semi-mature Ash tree and surrounding ivy growth at a residential property in Greater Manchester, following a subsidence investigation.
The works were part of a remedial plan drawn up by an independent arboricultural consultant, who concluded that the Ash and ivy were contributing to ground movement and cracking in the building’s structure.
Background
The property had developed a large crack in the brickwork, prompting the insurer to commission a subsidence assessment. The consultant identified:
A semi-mature Ash tree, approximately 9 metres tall, growing directly along the boundary fence
Extensive ivy growth spreading over a garden shed and toward the side of the house
Signs of soil desiccation, with clay shrinkage likely caused by moisture draw from tree roots and dense vegetation
The conclusion was that both the tree and ivy were contributing to the movement of the foundations. Removal and chemical treatment were recommended to prevent regrowth and allow for long-term structural monitoring.
Scope of Work
Our brief included:
Complete removal of the Ash tree, to ground level
Severing and removal of ivy from the shed, fence, and base of the property wall
Treatment of both the Ash stump and ivy base using ecoplugs, to eliminate regrowth
Working within tight boundary conditions, with no impact to neighbouring properties
Providing completion photos and documentation for the insurance company’s records
Site Conditions
The site posed several constraints:
The Ash tree was located directly on the boundary line, with limited space for dismantling
The ivy had overtaken a small timber shed and was growing toward the structure of the home
The tree’s base was close to both fencing and foundations, requiring careful rigging and removal
We carried out a full site-specific risk assessment before work began.
Method and Execution
All work was completed in a single day by our qualified team. Steps included:
Dismantling the Ash tree in sections using rope access and rigging techniques, with controlled lowering to avoid damage to fences and garden structures
Clearing all arisings from the tree and processing timber on-site for safe removal
Severing the ivy at multiple points and stripping it from the fence, shed, and areas near the building
Treating the base of the Ash tree and ivy stems with ecoplugs, which provide targeted, long-lasting control of regrowth through systemic action
All debris was removed from site, and the area was left clear, safe, and ready for ongoing monitoring by the insurer and consultant.
Outcome
The job was completed on time and without issue. Key outcomes included:
Elimination of the vegetation contributing to subsidence
Safe removal of all tree material and ivy from sensitive structures
No disruption to neighbouring gardens or boundaries
A site ready for structural repairs and future subsidence checks
The insurance company and homeowner were both pleased with the outcome, and our report and photographs were submitted for their records.
Working with Insurance and Surveying Teams
Woodfelder Tree Care regularly carries out tree and vegetation work on behalf of:
Insurance companies
Loss adjusters
Chartered arboricultural consultants
Private homeowners responding to subsidence reports
We provide:
Safe removals in tight or shared spaces
Ecoplug and stump treatment to prevent regrowth
Full documentation and aftercare advice
TPO and conservation checks if needed
If you’re involved in a subsidence claim and need practical tree surgery carried out to specification — get in touch. We’re happy to assist with surveyor-led works and can provide a full written quote and site visit.