Client: Private Landowner, Rural Property near Uckfield, East Sussex
Service: Emergency fallen tree removal & site clearance
Tree Type: Mature Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Date Completed: February 2025
Duration: Same-day emergency response
Team: 2
Overview
Following a night of heavy wind and rain caused by Storm Eunice, our team was contacted at 7:00 AM by a landowner in Uckfield, reporting a large ash tree had fallen across their property. The client required urgent attendance to remove the obstruction.
Initial Site Response
We deployed our emergency call-out team within 90 minutes and arrived on site fully equipped with:
- Chainsaws (CS30/31 qualified)
- Traffic cones & signage
- Protective PPE & rigging gear
- 3.5T tipper truck & chipper
Immediate Hazards Identified:
- The fallen tree had snapped at the base due to root failure from saturated ground.
- It was lying on the property causing structral damage.
- The root plate had partially lifted, risking further soil collapse.
- The canopy extended across a drainage ditch, requiring careful removal to prevent damage.
Work Undertaken
Safety First & Area Securing
- The area was secured with hazard signage and tape.
- A quick risk assessment and method statement were carried out on-site.
- All personnel were briefed on escape routes and cut plans.
Sectional Tree Dismantling
- The tree was removed section by section, starting at the crown.
- Branches were safely cut, processed, and chipped on-site.
- Special care was taken to avoid disturbing the drainage ditch and underground services.
Log & Root Base Removal
- The main stem was sectioned into manageable logs and stacked for the landowner’s firewood use.
- The upturned root plate was left in place (per client request) due to its habitat value and risk of ground collapse if removed.
Site Clearance & Final Safety Check
- All debris was cleared, and the road was made fully accessible by early afternoon.
- The area was swept and raked for safety.
- The client was advised on replanting options and ongoing tree inspections.
Outcome
- Tree was removed from pressure on the property within 6 hours of the initial call.
- The site was left clean, safe, and secure, with no damage to surrounding structures or landscape.
- The client expressed relief and appreciation for the speed and professionalism of the service.
Client Testimonial
“After the storm hit, we were completely blocked in. The Garnham team arrived quickly, worked efficiently, and had the whole tree cleared by lunchtime. Polite, professional, and clearly experienced — I wouldn’t hesitate to call them again.”
— Mr. A. Ellis, Uckfield
Project Highlights
- Rapid emergency response within 90 minutes
- Safe removal of a 30ft mature ash tree
- All work carried out to industry best practice (BS3998)
- Habitat-sensitive approach to root base preservation
- Fully insured & equipped for storm response
