case studies

TIMBER! PEASEHILL TREES GIVEN THE CHOP

Swift, Safe, and Successful Removal of Local Landmark - Peasehill Trees 

A landmark avenue of very unpop(u)lar trees has been felled, at Peasehill, Rosyth. Two lines of very tall poplar trees suffered storm damage in the gales that hit the area in May this year. Five trees came crashing down while 15 others lost parts of branches.

Avenue of trees at Peasehill, Rosyth, Summer 2011

Action was quickly taken to lop affected branches, make the trees safe, remove the fallen trees, and carry out repairs to damaged property. But gaps left where trees formerly stood would have affected the integrity of the entire lines of these 80' giants. Winter gales could have brought more down.

The Avenue with Felling Almost Complete

This is one of Greenbelt's biggest single "repair" jobs to date, costing in excess of £11,000.

	The Woodland Walk, summer 2011
	The Woodland Walk During Felling, November 2011

The poplars were around sixty years old and in the latter part of their safe useful life expectancy. Poplars make a wonderfully sheltered walk and the tree avenue at Peasehill could be seen for miles. However, houses had been built within just a few feet either side of the trees, and the trees posed a potential danger to residents and property.

	One of the 80' Giant Poplar Trees - Close to Properties
	The Avenue During Felling

Greenbelt took the initiative, letting all homeowners know the situation, worked with Fife Council, and advised the local media. The only safe option was to clear fell, remove all trees, and replant with an agreed species, but it will be with native species.

	Warning Signage, When Felling In Progress
	Felling In Progress - Wedge Being Cut Out of Trunk

The tricky job of felling all the trees, without damage to neighbouring property, was given to local company Active Tree Services. Work began on Monday 7^th November and the site was cleared in six days.

Tree Being Felled	Timber!

It was an excellent example of skill, speed, and safe working. All 67 remaining trees were felled without incident. The timber was sent to a saw mill for further use, and the smaller branches chipped and spread over the areas where the stumps had been ground out. Recycling at its best!

	Tracked Vehicle Stacking Cut Logs
	The Logs Being Hauled to Storage

The series of photographs gives some indication of the scale of the project. Only one word can describe the effect - TREEmendous!

	Storing the Logs Prior to Removal to a Saw Mill
	The Stump Grinder at Work! This will ensure the trees do not start growing again
	The Peasehill Avenue of Trees are no more. Once the site is cleared, the Avenue Will be Replanted with a Native Species