Everything You Need to Know About Tree Removal

Trees bring immense value to our landscapes, from environmental benefits like clean air and carbon capture to aesthetic and property value. However, there are circumstances where tree removal becomes essential, not just for appearance, but for health, safety, and regulatory compliance. This guide by Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon aims to walk you through every important aspect of tree removal in the UK: when it’s necessary, how it’s done, legal permissions, safety protocols, costs, and what happens after the job is complete.

Why Would You Need to Remove a Tree?

While tree preservation is encouraged, there are many cases where tree removal is the most responsible action. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Health of the Tree

A diseased, dying, or dead tree poses a safety hazard. Trees infected with pathogens (e.g. ash dieback) can become brittle and unsafe, dropping limbs or collapsing during high winds.

2. Public or Property Safety

Trees leaning toward buildings, pavements, roads, or utility lines can present serious risks. Over time, roots may disrupt pavements, crack walls, or lift driveways, creating liability issues.

3. Storm or Wind Damage

Severe weather can break branches or compromise the structure of a tree. If it’s no longer structurally sound, removal is often the safest route.

4. Pests and Fungi

Infestations by pests such as the oak processionary moth, or fungal infections like honey fungus, can affect tree health and spread to nearby vegetation.

5. Space Management

In some cases, trees are simply outgrowing their space, blocking light, interfering with property extensions, or negatively affecting other plants.

6. Landscaping or Construction Projects

New driveways, patios, home extensions, or garden redesigns may require the removal of one or more trees. But even for private land, permissions may be required (more on this below).

Is Tree Removal Always Legal?

UK Tree Laws and Permissions

Tree removal is heavily regulated across the UK. You can’t simply cut down a tree, even on your own property, without checking whether it’s protected.

Key Regulations Include:

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): These are issued by your local council to protect specific trees or woodlands. Removing or damaging a tree with a TPO without permission is illegal and can lead to prosecution and fines up to £20,000.
• Conservation Areas: Trees in designated conservation zones also require formal notice before any removal work. You must notify the local authority at least 6 weeks in advance.
• Planning Conditions: In some housing estates or developments, planning permission may protect certain trees or require tree retention as part of the development agreement.

Top tip: Always check with your local council or a certified arborist (like Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon) before undertaking tree removal.

The Tree Removal Process: How Professionals Do It

Tree removal is a highly specialised task involving careful planning, expert techniques, and professional safety procedures. Here’s how we typically manage the job:

1. Initial Assessment

Every job starts with a site visit to examine:

• Tree species, height, health and condition
• Proximity to buildings, fences, power lines, and roads
• Accessibility for machinery and personnel
• Risks to people, animals, or surrounding trees

We may also carry out a Tree Risk Assessment and check for legal protections like TPOs or conservation area designations.

2. Method Planning

Based on the findings, we choose between two main approaches:

Sectional Dismantling

Used in urban areas or tight spaces, where the tree is removed piece by piece. A professional climber will ascend the tree, using rope systems to lower branches and trunk segments safely.

Straight Felling

If space permits, the tree can be felled in a single direction using precision cuts. This is quicker but requires an open area free of obstacles.

3. Safety Setup

We set up barriers, warning signs, and designated drop zones to control the worksite. All staff wear PPE including helmets, chainsaw trousers, gloves, and harnesses.

We use rigging equipment, winches, lowering devices, and in some cases, mobile elevated platforms or cranes.

4. Stump Management

After removal, you have two options:

• Stump grinding: Reduces the stump below ground level. Quick and ideal for future turfing or planting.
• Stump removal: Full extraction of the root system. More intensive and suitable if building over the area.

5. Waste Disposal and Cleanup

We handle all green waste responsibly, including:

• Chipping branches into mulch
• Cutting logs for firewood or disposal
• Recycling wood off-site
• Leaving your garden clean, tidy, and safe

Environmental Responsibility in Tree Removal

Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon supports responsible arboriculture and always encourages clients to consider the ecological impact.

We may suggest alternatives such as:

• Crown reduction or thinning instead of complete removal
• Pollarding or pruning where safety allows
• Replanting with a more suitable species in the same location

Where a tree must be removed, we always recommend planting another nearby, especially for native species that support local wildlife.

Cost of Tree Removal in Middlesbrough

Tree removal costs vary significantly based on factors like:

• Size and height of the tree
• Ease of access to the site
• Method of removal (felling vs dismantling)
• Presence of TPO or permissions
• Need for stump grinding or root removal
• Waste removal requirements

Rough price guide (subject to survey):

• Small tree (under 25ft): £200–£400
• Medium tree (25–50ft): £400–£800
• Large tree (50ft+): £900–£1,500+

Stump grinding may cost an additional £60–£300, depending on size and root spread.

At Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon, we offer free no-obligation quotes and clear pricing with no hidden fees.

What If I Ignore a Dangerous Tree?

Ignoring a tree that poses a risk can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Damage to vehicles, property, fences, or neighbouring homes
• Injury or fatal accidents during storms or high winds
• Civil liability if your tree causes harm to others
• Penalties from your local council if protected trees are illegally altered or ignored

Most home insurance policies may not cover damage if the tree was clearly in poor condition and action wasn’t taken.

Can I Remove a Tree Myself?

DIY tree removal is highly discouraged unless the tree is:

• Very small (under 10ft)
• Easily accessible
• Not protected by law
• Not near power lines, buildings, or roads

Even then, tools like chainsaws are extremely dangerous in untrained hands. Tree surgery requires:

• Working at height
• Rigging knowledge
• Use of climbing gear
• Emergency response training
• Specialist insurance

Untrained attempts can result in injury, fines, or property damage. Always use a qualified, insured tree surgeon for your safety and peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Tree Surgeon

Here’s what to look for when selecting a tree removal expert:

 Fully insured (public liability and employer’s liability)
NPTC or City & Guilds qualified arborists
Experience with local councils for TPOs and planning
Written quotations and clear pricing
Waste disposal licence and eco-friendly practices

Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon ticks all these boxes and more.

Conclusion: Make Tree Removal Safe, Legal, and Effective

Tree removal is not just a routine garden task, it involves legal checks, expert techniques, and risk management. Whether your tree is dangerous, diseased, or in the way of your plans, always consult a professional.

At Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon, we provide:

• Thorough inspections and honest advice
• Support with permissions and council notices
• Safe, insured, and eco-conscious removal
• Affordable stump grinding and clearance
• Reliable service across Middlesbrough and surrounding areas
  

Contact us today for a free site visit and expert quote. Let us help you manage your trees with care, precision, and professionalism.