Winch Assisted Tree Felling - Wareham, Dorset
by Daniel Green
CHTS were instructed by a commercial client to fell a group of trees to ground level that posed a threat to some forest based power lines.
We firstly arranged for a Utility Supervisor to visit to check the health and safety of the trees and determine any specialist equipment that may be required for the completion of the works. With this information they were able to create an appropriate work method statement and risk assessment.
The initial site visit highlighted the following issues:
- The trees are located in close proximity to power lines
- The work site is secluded in the forest
It was determined by the Supervisor that due to the location of the trees a tractor with Winch attachment should be used to assist with the felling to direct the trees away from the power lines.
Once the works had been agreed with the commercial client we were able to proceed with the works.
Utilising the JCB Fastrak and Winch attachment the Arborists set a guide line 2/3 of the way up the tree before felling the trees. Once grounded the team snedded the tree to leave just the main stem which was to be collected by a harvester upon the completion of the works.