How Do Tree Surgeons Cut Trees?

Tree surgery is a highly specialised profession that combines scientific knowledge, precision techniques, and rigorous safety standards. Whether dealing with a damaged limb, an overgrown oak, or a tree that needs complete removal, tree surgeons follow a structured and professional approach to cutting and caring for trees. Follow the link if you want to know Why Is My Willow Tree Dying?

We’ll walk you through how qualified tree surgeons cut trees—from the first assessment to the final clear-up—and highlight the importance of choosing a trained and experienced provider like Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough.

What Is Tree Surgery?

Tree surgery, or arboriculture, refers to the professional maintenance, management, and removal of trees and woody plants. A tree surgeon is not just someone who cuts branches—they are trained to diagnose tree health issues, promote growth, improve aesthetics, and ensure trees do not pose a danger to people or property.

The services of a tree surgeon often include:

• Tree pruning and shaping
  
• Crown thinning and reductions
  
• Tree felling and sectional dismantling
  
• Stump grinding and removal
  
• Disease diagnosis and treatment
  
• Emergency tree services
  
• Site clearance and land management
  

At Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough, we offer all these services with safety, quality, and customer satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do.

Reasons Trees Are Cut or Removed

There are a number of reasons a tree might need to be cut or removed. These include:

• Diseased or dead trees that pose a risk to nearby people or buildings
  
• Trees damaged by storms, wind, or lightning
  
• Overgrown trees affecting light, views, or neighbouring properties
  
• Roots interfering with foundations, drains, or driveways
  
• Trees obstructing power lines or road visibility
  
• Space clearance for development or landscaping projects
  

Before any cutting takes place, a professional assessment is essential to determine the safest and most appropriate method.

Tree Health Assessment

Before any cutting begins, tree surgeons perform a detailed tree inspection. This assessment determines:

• The species and growth characteristics of the tree
  
• Overall health, including signs of disease, decay, or infestation
  
• Structural stability, root health, and crown condition
  
• Proximity to hazards such as buildings, roads, or electrical lines
  
• Presence of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or conservation area restrictions
  

If a tree is protected by a TPO or located within a conservation area, specific permissions from the local council will be required before any work can commence. Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough is experienced in dealing with these legalities and can manage the application process on your behalf.

How Do Tree Surgeons Cut Trees?

The process of cutting a tree varies depending on the size, condition, location, and purpose of the work. Here’s how tree surgeons typically proceed:

1. Site Survey and Risk Assessment

Safety is paramount. The team first carries out a risk assessment to identify hazards to people, property, and the environment. Traffic, overhead cables, animals, and nearby buildings are all taken into account.

Safety zones are established, and proper signage is installed where necessary.

2. Choosing the Method: Pruning, Sectional Dismantling, or Felling

Depending on the tree’s location and condition, the tree surgeon will select one of the following methods:

Pruning and Reduction
This involves removing selected branches to improve the tree’s structure, health, or aesthetics. It includes:

• Crown thinning: To reduce density and improve airflow
  
• Crown lifting: To raise the canopy by removing lower branches
  
• Crown reduction: To reduce the height or spread of the tree
  

Sectional Dismantling
Used when space is restricted, such as in residential gardens. The tree is carefully dismantled piece by piece, with each section lowered to the ground using ropes and pulleys to prevent damage to surrounding structures.

Straight Felling
When space allows, and the tree is free of surrounding obstructions, it may be felled in one controlled cut. This is more common in open fields, parks, or woodland areas.

Equipment Used by Tree Surgeons

Tree surgeons use a variety of tools and equipment, depending on the complexity of the job. These may include:

• Chainsaws of varying sizes for different types of cuts
  
• Pole saws and pruning shears for fine or high-level work
  
• Climbing ropes, harnesses, and safety gear for tree access
  
• Rigging equipment including slings, pulleys, and lowering devices
  
• Wood chippers for reducing branches to mulch
  
• Stump grinders for removing remaining tree bases
  

All equipment must be well-maintained and used by trained operatives to ensure both efficiency and safety.

Rope Climbing and Rigging

For trees that cannot be felled outright, professional climbing techniques are used. Tree surgeons ascend using ropes, harnesses, and ascenders to position themselves securely in the canopy.

Branches and trunk sections are often rigged down using friction devices to control descent, ensuring nothing crashes to the ground or causes injury or damage.

Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough ensures all climbing arborists are certified and insured, and all ground staff are trained to support safe lowering and debris handling.

Cutting Techniques

Professional tree surgeons use several cutting techniques to control direction, reduce risk, and protect the integrity of the tree (if pruning):

• Step cuts and snap cuts for safe branch removal
  
• Notch and back cuts to direct fall in straight felling
  
• Bore cuts to prevent splitting in leaning trees
  
• Precision cuts for aesthetic shaping and growth control
  

Each cut is calculated to ensure structural balance, safety, and the desired outcome for the tree and surrounding space.

Clearing and Site Clean-Up

After the cutting is completed, all branches, logs, and wood waste are processed. Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough offers complete site clearance, which includes:

• Chipping branches into mulch
  
• Cutting logs for firewood (if requested)
  
• Transporting and recycling green waste
  
• Sweeping and tidying the work area
  

Our team leaves every site clean, safe, and ready for the next stage—whether that’s landscaping, replanting, or construction.

Stump Grinding and Removal

Stumps left behind after tree removal can attract pests, harbour disease, or simply be an eyesore. Our stump grinding service ensures:

• Removal of the stump below ground level
  
• Elimination of trip hazards
  
• Prevention of future root growth
  
• A smooth surface for replanting or turfing
  

Stump removal is optional but highly recommended, especially in landscaped gardens or sites preparing for redevelopment.

Seasonal Considerations in Tree Surgery

Tree surgery is often performed year-round, but some seasons are better for specific tasks:

• Winter (dormant season) is ideal for pruning many species as it minimises stress on the tree.
  
• Spring is best for assessing tree health as new growth reveals potential issues.
  
• Summer may require lighter pruning but is good for crown thinning to increase light.
  
• Autumn can be used to prepare trees for winter storms, especially those near buildings or roads.
  

Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough offers seasonal guidance to help homeowners and businesses plan tree work at the optimal time.

Tree Preservation and Legal Considerations

Many trees are protected under local planning laws. Cutting, pruning, or removing a protected tree without permission can result in significant fines and enforcement action.

Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough can:

• Check for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
  
• Apply for permission on your behalf
  
• Liaise with local authorities and conservation officers
  
• Provide advice on alternatives if removal is not permitted
  

Always ensure tree work is conducted legally and with appropriate consent.

Cost of Tree Cutting Services

Costs depend on various factors such as tree height, diameter, accessibility, waste removal, and any additional services such as stump grinding. General estimates include:

• Small tree pruning: from £150
  
• Medium tree removal: £400 to £800
  
• Large tree dismantling: £900 to £1,500+
  
• Stump removal: from £100 depending on size
  

Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough provides transparent, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific needs and site conditions.

Why Choose Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough?

We are a trusted local provider of tree surgery services across Middlesbrough and the North East, offering:

• Fully qualified and insured staff
  
• Modern equipment and safe working practices
  
• Affordable pricing and honest advice
  
• Free quotations and expert consultation
  
• 24/7 emergency response when urgent help is needed
  

Whether it’s a one-off job or long-term tree management, we bring professionalism and care to every project.

Final Thoughts

Tree surgery is not a simple task of sawing branches—it is a complex and often dangerous job that requires expertise, planning, and precision. Whether pruning a mature oak, removing a dangerous conifer, or grinding out an old stump, professional tree surgeons follow a tried-and-tested process to ensure the safety of people and the health of surrounding trees.

If you need advice, maintenance, or emergency tree removal, contact Tree Surgeon Middlesbrough for a professional, reliable, and affordable solution. Your trees—and your property—deserve expert care.