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Why Use Machinery? How Mechanisation Makes Tree Work Safer and More Efficient

Tree work has traditionally relied heavily on skilled manual work – and there are still plenty of situations where traditional arboricultural methods are the right approach. However, specialist machinery can completely change the way we carry out certain projects.

Our continued investment in machinery allows us to undertake work that would otherwise be slower, more labour-intensive or more difficult using conventional methods alone. From grapple-saw dismantling and whole-tree chipping to harvesting, forwarding, mulching and timber haulage, the right combination of machinery and experienced operators can make a significant difference to how efficiently and safely a job progresses.

But for us, it isn’t simply about owning the machines. What matters is the capability they give our team – and knowing when, where and how to use them effectively.

Why mechanise tree work?

Every site and every tree presents a different set of challenges. Before starting work, we consider the safest and most efficient way to complete the job, taking into account factors such as access, tree condition, terrain, surrounding infrastructure, the volume of material and what needs to happen to that material afterwards.

Where appropriate, machinery can help us to:

  • Reduce manual handling and physical demands on our arborists
  • Keep people further away from dangerous or unstable trees
  • Process large quantities of timber and brash efficiently
  • Complete larger-scale projects within practical timescales
  • Reduce the number of separate contractors required on site
  • Manage more stages of a project ourselves
  • Maintain greater control over how work progresses from start to finish

The result isn’t simply “bigger machines”. It’s a different way of approaching the work.

Keeping our arborists safer

Safety is one of the most important reasons for using machinery.

Tree surgery will always involve an element of risk, but mechanisation can reduce the amount of time our arborists need to spend climbing, handling heavy timber manually or working in close proximity to hazardous trees.

Our Hinowa MEWP, for example, provides a working height of up to 20 metres and can give our arborists an alternative to climbing. This can be particularly valuable when working on dead, dying or structurally compromised trees, including trees affected by ash dieback.

Dead timber can be brittle, unpredictable and structurally unstable. Using a MEWP allows an arborist to work from a platform rather than relying on the tree itself for support. It can also be an efficient option where branches are difficult to reach or where a tree offers limited suitable anchor points for climbing.

On other sites, machinery can take the arborist out of the tree altogether.

Our Hyundai 360 excavator fitted with a Vosch 4000 grapple saw allows sections of a tree to be held, cut and moved mechanically. We have used this combination when removing dangerous roadside trees growing on a slope – a situation where terrain, tree condition and proximity to the road all needed to be carefully managed.

Rather than looking at mechanisation purely in terms of speed, its ability to reduce exposure to risk is just as important.

Making large and complex projects more efficient

Once a tree is on the ground, there can still be a considerable amount of work involved in processing and removing the resulting material.

This is where having machinery for different stages of a project becomes particularly useful.

During the roadside tree removal work mentioned above, our Jenz crane-fed chipper was used to process the resulting material. The chip was fed directly into a walking-floor trailer ready to be transported away from site.

Being able to combine machinery in this way creates an efficient workflow: trees can be dismantled mechanically, material processed and the resulting timber or woodchip moved onwards without unnecessary additional handling.

For forestry work, our John Deere harvester and forwarder allow us to mechanically fell, process and extract timber. Our Valtra tractor with timber crane and trailer gives us further capability for moving timber and other material from a wide variety of sites.

Where large areas need to be cleared, mulching equipment can process vegetation efficiently across the site, making it particularly useful for larger-scale clearance projects.

We also operate our own HGV for a range of haulage, enabling us to transport timber arising from domestic, commercial and forestry work.

Together, these capabilities mean we can consider the whole process – not just how a tree will be felled, but how the material will be processed, extracted and transported afterwards.

Machinery isn’t only for large-scale jobs

Heavy machinery might immediately bring forestry or major commercial projects to mind. However, mechanisation can be useful across a much wider range of work.

Depending on the site, we may use machinery on domestic tree work, commercial projects, forestry operations, site clearances, roadside work and sites with challenging terrain or access.

Equally, using machinery doesn’t automatically make it the right choice.

Sometimes climbing and traditional arboricultural techniques remain the safest and most practical solution. On another site, bringing in a MEWP, excavator or specialist forestry equipment could significantly reduce manual handling and make the work much more efficient.

The important part is choosing the method to suit the job.

More than the machines themselves

Our machinery is only one part of our capability.

Getting the most from specialist equipment relies on the knowledge and experience of the people planning the work and operating it. A machine is useful when it solves a problem – whether that’s keeping an arborist away from an unstable tree, processing a high volume of material, working safely on difficult terrain or reducing unnecessary handling.

By combining experienced arborists, skilled machine operators and specialist equipment, we can look at a project as a whole and decide on an approach that makes the best use of the resources available.

That might involve traditional climbing techniques, mechanised tree removal, harvesting and forwarding, crane-fed chipping, mulching, timber haulage – or a combination of several methods.

Ultimately, that’s why we invest in machinery: not simply to have more equipment, but to give our team more options.

More options allow us to plan work around the individual site, reduce unnecessary risk and manual handling, and complete everything from smaller tree surgery jobs to complex commercial and forestry projects safely and efficiently.

Get in touch

If you’re interested in finding out more about what we can do to assist with your next project, you can get in touch via our website. Our team would be happy to discuss your needs and arrange for a free site visit and quotation.

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Beyond Tree Surgery: Our Capability for Larger-Scale Projects

When people think of arboriculture, traditional tree surgery is often the first thing that comes to mind. But for larger commercial sites, forestry operations and complex clearance projects, the requirements can extend far beyond individual tree work.

At Simpson Arboriculture, our capabilities have developed considerably since we were established in 2006. Today, we bring together arboriculture, mechanised tree work, forestry harvesting, vegetation management and large-scale site clearance within one established operation.

Supported by our own specialist machinery, in-house haulage and experienced team, this allows us to undertake projects ranging from individual trees through to substantial, technically demanding commercial works.

Bringing multiple capabilities together

Larger projects can involve several different stages of work. A site clearance project, for example, may require arboricultural work, mechanised felling and processing, vegetation clearance, timber extraction, haulage and the management of resulting materials.

Rather than these elements automatically requiring several different contractors, we can deliver a wide range of services using our own team, machinery and resources.

For our clients, this can make the overall project much simpler to manage. With fewer separate contractors to coordinate, there is clearer responsibility for the work, more straightforward communication and better continuity from one stage of the project to the next.

It also gives us greater control over scheduling, machinery and logistics, helping us to keep work moving efficiently as a project progresses.

More than having the right machinery

Specialist machinery has transformed what can be achieved safely and efficiently within modern arboriculture, forestry and site clearance. However, capability is about much more than simply owning the equipment.

Our investment in machinery has developed alongside the knowledge and experience of our team. Since Simpson Arboriculture was established in 2006, we have steadily expanded the scale and range of work we undertake, building practical experience across arboriculture, forestry and mechanised operations.

This combination of equipment and expertise enables us to select an appropriate approach for each site rather than simply applying the same method to every project.

Our fleet allows us to mechanise work where appropriate, process and handle significant volumes of material, work efficiently across larger areas and manage the movement of timber and other materials as part of the wider operation.

With our own plant and in-house haulage available, we are also less reliant on bringing in external resources for different stages of a project.

From individual trees to large-scale projects

Being able to undertake larger projects does not mean leaving conventional arboriculture behind. Instead, our broader capability has developed from the arboricultural knowledge and experience at the heart of the business.

As an ARB Approved Contractor, we have the people, accreditation, equipment and experience required to deliver professional arboricultural work, while our wider forestry and mechanised capabilities allow us to take that expertise onto considerably larger and more complex sites.

Depending on the requirements of a project, our work can include:

  • Commercial arboriculture and tree surgery
  • Mechanised tree felling and processing
  • Forestry harvesting
  • Vegetation management
  • Large-scale site clearance
  • Timber extraction and handling
  • In-house haulage and transport

Bringing these services together means we can look at a project as a whole, considering how each stage fits into the next and planning the work accordingly.

A well-organised operation from start to finish

For commercial clients, capability is not only about what happens on site. Reliable planning, organisation and communication are just as important, particularly when work involves multiple stages, specialist machinery or other contractors working around the project.

We aim to provide clear communication throughout, from the initial discussions and planning through to completion. Our team works closely with clients to understand the requirements and constraints of each site, organise the necessary resources and keep them informed as the work progresses.

Ultimately, our aim is straightforward: to provide clients with one capable and dependable contractor who can take responsibility for a much wider scope of work.

Over the years, Simpson Arboriculture has grown beyond the capabilities of a conventional tree surgery contractor. By bringing together experienced people, professional accreditation, specialist machinery, haulage and a broad range of services, we are equipped to deliver everything from individual tree works to substantial commercial, forestry and site clearance projects — all within one established operation.

If you have a project coming up and would like to find out more about what we can offer, you can get in touch via our website. Our team would be happy to discuss your requirements and arrange to meet with you to carry out a site visit and quotation.

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Do I need Permission to Fell Trees on Private Land?

If you own land with trees on it, you might assume that you are free to remove them whenever you choose. However, in many cases, there are legal restrictions that mean you may need permission before carrying out tree felling or other tree work.

Failing to obtain the correct permissions can result in significant fines and legal complications, so it is always worth checking before any work begins.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

One of the most common restrictions affecting trees on private land is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

A TPO is made by a local planning authority to protect trees that provide significant public amenity value. If a tree is protected by a TPO, you will generally need permission from the council before carrying out work. This may include:

  • Pruning
  • Crown reduction
  • Crown lifting
  • Felling

Carrying out unauthorised work on a protected tree can lead to prosecution and substantial fines.

Are you unsure whether a tree is protected by a TPO? Your local council should be able to advise you. At Simpson Arboriculture, this is something we always check before arranging any tree work.

Trees within conservation areas

Even if a tree is not covered by a TPO, it may still be protected if it is located within a Conservation Area.

In most cases, if you wish to carry out work on a tree within a Conservation Area, you must give the local authority six weeks’ written notice before work begins. This is usually via an Application for Tree Works form which should be available on a council’s website. This allows the council time to assess the tree and decide whether further protection is required.

There are some exemptions such as if the tree is below a certain size or you are removing deadwood only, but it is always advisable to seek professional guidance before proceeding.

Forestry felling licences

For larger-scale tree removal, particularly on woodland or forestry sites, a felling licence may be required from the Forestry Commission.

In England, a licence is generally needed if more than 5 cubic metres of timber will be felled in a calendar quarter, although there are various exemptions depending on the circumstances.

Felling trees without the appropriate licence can result in enforcement action and a requirement to restock the land.

Planning conditions and development sites

Trees can also be protected through planning conditions attached to a property or development site.

If you are planning construction work, extensions, access routes or landscaping projects, there may be restrictions on tree removal as part of the planning approval.

It is important to check any planning conditions before arranging tree work.

Dead or dangerous trees

There are situations where permission may not be required, such as when a tree is dead or presents an immediate risk to public safety.

However, evidence may be needed to demonstrate the condition of the tree, and it is often sensible to document the issue with photographs and seek professional advice before work takes place.

Where protected trees are involved, local authorities may still expect to be notified. This is usually through a 5 day notice. As with TPO and conservation area applications, this is something that we can submit on behalf of our customers if required.

Boundary and ownership considerations

Before arranging any tree work, it is also important to confirm ownership.

Trees growing on a boundary may be jointly owned, while trees near neighbouring properties can sometimes create disputes if removed without discussion. Checking ownership and communicating with affected neighbours can help avoid unnecessary problems. For more information on this, please see our blog: Who is Responsible for Trees on Boundary Lines? 

How can we help?

Owning a tree does not automatically give you unrestricted rights to remove it. Tree Preservation Orders, Conservation Areas, felling licence requirements and planning conditions can all affect what work is permitted.

At Simpson Arboriculture, we can help customers navigate the regulations surrounding tree work. If you are considering having any tree work carried out and are unsure about the legal requirements, our team will be happy to provide advice and guidance before any work takes place. We regularly submit applications on behalf of our customers and oversee the whole process.

Get in touch

If you are interested in having tree work carried out but you are not sure where to start, you can get in touch with our friendly team via our website. Seeking professional advice from an experienced tree surgery company such as Simpson Arboriculture at the outset can help ensure the work is carried out safely, legally and with complete peace of mind.

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Do I need permission to cut my tree down?

Do I need permission to cut my tree down? It’s a question we’re asked regularly –  and the answer isn’t always a simple yes or no.

In many cases, you can carry out work to trees on your own property. But there are some important rules in place across the UK to protect trees, wildlife and the wider landscape. Before any work starts, it’s worth checking whether permission is required.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand where you stand.

When you don’t usually need permission

If your tree is in a normal residential setting and is not protected, you can generally carry out work such as pruning or removal without applying for formal permission.

That said, there are still responsibilities:

  • You must ensure the work is safe and carried out correctly
  • You must check for wildlife (for example, nesting birds)
  • You are responsible for any damage or risk caused by the tree

Even when permission isn’t required, getting professional advice is always worthwhile – especially for larger trees or those close to buildings.

Trees in conservation areas

One of the most common reasons you do need permission is if your tree is within a conservation area.

These are designated locations with special architectural or historical importance, where trees contribute to the character of the area.

In this case:

  • You must give your local council at least 6 weeks’ notice before carrying out work
  • This is known as a Section 211 notice
  • During that time, the council can decide to place a TPO on the tree

In many conservation areas, trees above a certain size are automatically protected, even without a formal order.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

Another reason why you may need permission is if your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

A TPO is put in place by your local council to protect trees that offer significant public value. This could be because of their appearance, age, or contribution to the local environment.

If a tree has a TPO:

  • You must apply to the local authority before carrying out work. This usually takes around 8 weeks
  • This includes pruning, reducing, or removing the tree
  • Carrying out unauthorised work can lead to enforcement action and fines

Under UK guidance, a TPO makes it an offence to cut down, uproot, top or damage a protected tree without consent.

In some cases, if the tree is dead/ dying, or emergency tree work is required, you can apply under a ‘Five day notice’ rather than waiting for the full eight weeks. Although this will still be at the local authority’s discretion, and ultimately, no work should be carried out until they have approved it.

Felling licences (for woodland and larger-scale work)

For larger projects – particularly in woodland, forestry, or commercial settings – a felling licence may be required from the Forestry Commission.

In the UK:

  • It is generally illegal to fell trees without a licence unless an exemption applies
  • This applies to larger volumes of timber, rather than typical garden trees
  • Both the landowner and contractor share responsibility for compliance

Felling licences are designed to protect woodland management and ensure sustainable practices

Even if a licence is granted, you may still need to consider:

  • TPOs
  • Conservation area restrictions
  • Environmental factors (wildlife, protected sites, etc.)

Checking before any work begins

Because there are a few different rules that can apply, it’s important to make sure everything is in order before any work starts. As part of our approach at Simpson Arboriculture, we always check whether a tree is protected by a TPO, located within a conservation area, or subject to any other restrictions.

This helps avoid delays, ensures everything is carried out legally, and gives you peace of mind that the right steps have been followed. If permission is required, we can guide you through the process or handle the application on your behalf, keeping things as straightforward as possible.

So, how do you know if permission is needed?

Before any tree work, you need to check:

  • Is the property in a conservation area?
  • Is the tree covered by a TPO?
  • Is the work part of a larger-scale or commercial operation?

To find out more, you can visit the Government website page on Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas for further information.

Final thoughts

At Simpson Arboriculture, we always take the time to check whether permission is needed, so even if you aren’t sure if this applies, we have this covered. If your trees do fall within a conservation area or are subject to a TPO, we can apply to your local council on your behalf for a small admin fee. We can then oversee the whole process, giving our customers peace of mind that everything is taken care of.

If you’re thinking about having tree work carried out, feel free to get in touch with us at Simpson Arboriculture. Whether you’re ready to arrange a quote or just starting to explore your options, we’re always happy to have a chat and help you get the process underway.

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