ContactA Safe Space at Risk
Kevin runs a brilliant charity just outside of York in Haxby called The Land. Which provides autistic children with a safe and open space to get out and explore nature. It’s a great spot — but unfortunately an element of that safety was at risk.
In the middle of the site, stood a very hollow and hazardous ash tree. It had reached the point where it posed a real danger to the children and others. It needed to be made safe.
A Hollow Ash Tree
The Ash wasn’t enormous, around 12–14 metres tall, but from about 2 metres up it was completely hollow. Large openings led straight through to the internal cavity, and you could see daylight through it at a couple of spots.
The good news was that local wildlife had claimed the lower part of the hollow, filling it with nests. In a woodland a tree like this would of been able to stand until it slowly crumpled apart, providing homes and food for a range of wildlife but that wasn’t a safe option here, however we were able to preserve alot of these by leaving the lower 6 metres of the trunk standing as a nature pole.
Tackling a Tricky Removal
Ideally, this job would have been perfect for a MEWP (cherry picker) — allowing us to dismantle the tree safely from a basket. Unfortunately, access was extremely limited, which ruled out pickers, cranes, or other machinery.
Felling the whole tree from the base wasn’t a good option either. While doablee, there were nearby power lines: not close enough to be directly in the way, but close enough to make it worth rethinking.
That left one viable plan — carefully climbing, removing the back weight, and felling the remaining stem at about 6 metres.
Tools and Safety
We brought along most of our climbing and rigging kit just in case, but in the end, only a few essentials were needed:
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- Climbing kit
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- Husqvarna T540i XP for dismantling the limbs
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- Husqvarna 572 XP for the final felling cut
We also brought a small winch but decided against using it — with so little holding wood left, it would have added unnecessary risk.
Because a MEWP wasn’t an option and ground felling wasn’t safe, climbing was the only practical approach. I stayed as close to the main stem as possible, removing back-weighted limbs first to keep the tree balanced and stable.
The Climb
This wasn’t the most enjoyable climb of my life. I worked slowly and carefully up the stem, and as (bad) luck would have it, the wind began to swirl just as I started removing the upper limbs.
That made it even more important to remove as much back and side weight as possible before sending the top down. Each cut had to be carefully planned — partly to protect the hawthorn arch beneath the tree, but mainly to avoid any sudden shifts that could compromise the already fragile structure. The topping cut itself was especially tricky as there was no internal wood to hinge (the bit that controls the direction of the fell). To try and minimise risk
The Result
By the end of the job, the top section of the ash had been safely removed and the remaining 6-metre trunk left standing as a wildlife habitat. All brash and timber were cleared from site, leaving the area tidy and safe for the children to use again.
What had been a looming hazard is now a stable nature feature — and Kevin can rest easy knowing the children are safe to play beneath it.
Why This Matters
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- Safety: Removing this dead, unstable tree eliminated a serious risk of falling branches. In a space used daily by children, that safety is non-negotiable.
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- Conservation: By retaining part of the trunk as a nature pole, we preserved valuable habitat for birds and insects while preventing the spread of decay or disease.
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- Property Protection: Dead trees can cause costly damage if they fail near buildings, fences or power lines. Proactively removing this one prevented potential future problems.
Tree surgery isn’t just about cutting trees down — it’s about protecting people, property, and the environment. This project is a good example of how careful planning and skilled climbing can solve complex problems safely.
Need Tree Work in York?
If you’ve got a problem tree in York or the surrounding area, we can help. Whether it’s a hazardous removal, storm-damaged branches, or general pruning, our team will handle it safely and professionally.
Contact Trident Tree Works today for a free quote or expert advice.
