Mechanical Tree Felling / Tree Shearing

Although once a novel concept, mechanical tree felling is now taking centre stage as an integral part of sustainable woodland management practices. In this latest blog, we will explore the key questions in relation to mechanical tree felling.

February 11, 2024
Treeclear UK

Treeclear UK provides mechanical tree felling as part of various environmental land clearance services including vegetation clearance, habitat management, and woodland management.

Mechanical tree felling is now taking centre stage within modern forestry as an integral part of woodland management practices.

In this latest blog, we will explore the key questions in relation to mechanical tree felling:

  • What is mechanical tree felling?
  • Key benefits vs traditional methods
  • Where is it commonly required?

If you’re seeking mechanical tree felling, please get in touch with us directly at 07813 140 683‬ to discuss your bespoke requirements and receive your without-charge quotation.

What is mechanical tree felling?

Mechanical tree felling is a tree removal technique that utilises an excavator and a hydraulic tree shear that cuts through the timber in one whilst holding it firmly with a hydraulic arm or arms. 

Treeclear UK operates a range of different tree shears up to 400mm capacity which can tackle rather a large tree! 

Unlike traditional tree felling methods, this type of tree removal is fast, safe and with the ability to stack trees neatly once felled, it’s a perfect solution for numerous applications.

Our tree felling excavators are fully forestry specification, fully guarded and use biodegradable oils and are capable of operating a range of tree shear to suit the specific task.

mechanical tree felling

Mechanical Tree Felling (Benefits)

Efficiency: As you may have guessed by the name ”mechanical tree felling”, this type of tree removal is much more efficient compared to traditional methods. The quantity of trees and volume of timber felled in an hour makes tree shears a cost-effective way to fell trees in a controlled manner. 

Precision: Due to the hydraulic control, mechanical tree felling assures high precision. Operators can specifically target individual trees, even when they are within close proximity to trees that are to remain which minimises damage to surrounding habitats and vegetation.

Safety: Mechanical tree felling reduces the exposure to dangerous conditions, enhancing overall workplace health and safety. However, as safety is paramount, Treeclear UK remains vigilant and proactive in identifying and mitigating potential risks to ensure the well-being of all operatives and the surrounding environment.

Environmental Sustainability: Mechanical tree felling is excellent for preserving the ecological integrity of a woodland. Additionally, the precise cutting reduces waste and promotes sustainable timber harvesting practices.

Where is mechanical tree felling commonly required?

Mechanical tree felling is commonly required for various land management and forestry scenarios. A few examples where Treeclear UK provide this type of tree removal include:

Habitat Management: One of our many services that we provide is habitat management. Within this service, we use tree shearing techniques to better manage habitats for local wildlife. For example, certain trees may be required to be felled in order to create openings for breeding or maintaining wildlife corridors. 

Vegetation Clearance: Where tree clearing is required effectively and efficiently, mechanical tree felling is usually the preferred tree removal method within vegetation clearance services. Scenarios where mechanical tree felling would be ideal in a vegetation clearance contract would be to cut trees off at ground level ready for whole tree chipping for biomass.

Windblow Clearance: Historically, a very dangerous activity mechanical tree shears are ideal for tackling wind blown trees. A tree shear mounted on a forestry specification excavator is one of the safest ways to deal with trees that have blown over in a storm. As windblown trees are normally stacked precariously on top of each other and are under a lot of stress and strain, using a tree shear reduces the risk to the operative greatly.

Land Clearing for Development: Mechanical tree felling is also commonly required when land needs clearing for development purposes. For example, to enable construction works such as new power lines, pipelines or other commercial development activities.

Why Choose Treeclear UK?

Here at Treeclear UK, we are proud to provide 5-star-rated mechanical tree felling as part of numerous environmental land clearance services delivered throughout the UK. Specifically, we provide this type of tree removal for private estates, trusts, and government organisations.

Further qualifications and member organisations we’re proud to be a part of include;-

  • Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS)
  • City & Guilds NPTC qualified including (FMOC) 
  • Members Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA)

Contact Treeclear UK

If you’re seeking mechanical tree felling, we would love to hear from you today. Treeclear UK is able to provide a dedicated service with excellent customer service and client satisfaction guaranteed.

For more information or to discuss your bespoke requirements with Treeclear UK, you can call us directly at 07813 140 683‬. Alternatively, if you prefer to email, use our online contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.