Sycamore Tree Removal, ST Thomas's Church, Lancaster, Lancashire
R Watson Tree Surgery was commissioned by St Thomas’s Church, Lancaster to remove a mature multi-stemmed sycamore tree from their car park as part of plans to extend the children’s play area.
Projects like this require careful planning. While the tree itself was in reasonable condition, its location presented several challenges. It leaned over the adjoining school, the existing play area and a neighbouring warehouse, meaning that any work had to be carried out safely and with minimal disruption.
Why Remove a Healthy Tree?
Tree removal is not always carried out because a tree is diseased or unsafe.
In this case, the removal formed part of planned improvement works that will allow St Thomas’s Church to expand its children’s play facilities. Sometimes trees simply outgrow their location or stand where future development is planned.
When this happens, careful planning and professional tree surgery ensure the work is completed safely while minimising disruption to the surrounding area.
Assessing the Site
Before any work began, we completed a full site assessment to identify the safest method of removal.
The tree occupied a prominent position within the church car park. Normally, a tree leaning over buildings and areas used by children might require dismantling in sections using ropes and rigging equipment. However, every site is different, and part of our job is choosing the safest and most cost-effective solution for the client.
Fortunately, the church’s spacious car park provided enough clear space to safely fell the tree in one controlled operation.
Controlled Felling
Rather than dismantling the sycamore piece by piece, we were able to carry out a controlled straight felling.
After preparing the tree and establishing a safe working area, we used a pulling line attached to our Land Rover to apply controlled directional assistance. This helped ensure the tree committed to the intended direction of fall and landed safely within the available space.
Using mechanical assistance where appropriate is often the safest option, reducing unnecessary climbing and allowing work to be completed more efficiently while maintaining complete control of the operation.
The tree was successfully felled exactly as planned without damage to surrounding property or infrastructure.
Processing the Timber
Once safely on the ground, the tree was processed into manageable sections.
Branches were chipped using our professional wood chipper, while the timber was cut into lengths for removal and recycling. The work area was then thoroughly cleared, leaving the church car park clean and ready for the next stage of the playground extension.
Professional Tree Surgery in Lancaster
Whether you’re removing a single garden tree or managing trees around schools, churches, commercial premises or public spaces, safety and planning are essential.
At R Watson Tree Surgery, we provide professional tree surgery throughout Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, Garstang, Silverdale, Milnthorpe, Kendal and the surrounding areas.
Our services include:
Every job is assessed individually to determine the safest and most appropriate method of working.
If you require an experienced tree surgeon in Lancaster or would like advice about a tree on your property, please get in touch for a free quotation.
