Recently, the Dedham Vale Tree Surgery team was called out to safely remove a large dead oak tree in Dedham that had sadly succumbed to Chronic Oak Decline. This mature oak had reached the end of its life and become structurally unsound, posing a risk to nearby roads and utilities. With the tree overhanging the road and a telephone line running through the crown, careful planning and expert execution were essential to ensure a safe and controlled removal.
What Is Chronic Oak Decline?
Chronic Oak Decline is a progressive disease that affects mature native oak trees, particularly English Oak (Quercus robur) and Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea). It’s a complex condition caused by a combination of environmental stress, age, and secondary pests or pathogens, rather than a single infectious agent.
Over time, these factors weaken the tree’s natural defences, leading to gradual canopy thinning, branch dieback, and reduced leaf coverage. The decline typically develops over many years, eventually resulting in significant structural weakness or death of the tree.
Planning to Ensure Safety
Given the tree’s location and the hazards involved, we used our 23m MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) to carry out a controlled dismantle as part of our tree surgery services. This allowed our climbers and ground crew to work safely, cutting the tree down in manageable sections while maintaining full control over each piece. Safety and precision are always our top priorities when working near roads and utilities.
Dismantling the Dead Crown
The first stage involved removing the dead crown, which was carefully chipped on-site using our Bandit 12XP woodchipper. To work efficiently and keep the site clear, we used our Cat 302.7 digger to move the branches into the chipper. Using these machines together allows us to handle heavy and brittle branches safely and efficiently.
Breaking Down the Main Stem
With the crown removed, attention turned to the main stem. We blocked the trunk down in stages, using a range of saws, including our Stihl 880 with a 48” bar, to safely cut through the large-diameter trunk. To protect surrounding property, we shielded driveways with old tyres and plywood boards, preventing damage during the works.
Timber Recovery and Milling
Once the trunk was safely on the ground, the timber was extracted using a HIAB lorry, operated by one of our trusted partners. The oak is now on its way to being milled into high-quality lumber, giving this mature tree a new lease of life as timber for future projects.
Finishing Touches
Finally, the stump was ground out using our Carlton stump grinder, leaving the site ready for a new tree to be planted this winter. Replacing the tree ensures that this space continues to benefit the local environment and community. Where required, we also carry out stump removal to leave sites completely clear and ready for replanting or landscaping.
This project demonstrates the importance of using the right equipment, careful planning, and teamwork when removing large, compromised trees in challenging locations. While it’s always sad to see an old oak come down, we’re proud to help its legacy continue — both through the timber it provides and the new tree planted in its place.
If you require assistance with a dangerous or declining tree, visit our Dedham tree services page or contact us to arrange a quote.