Tree Felling Stirling

Professional tree felling for domestic and commercial properties across Stirling and Central Scotland. From open-ground felling to careful sectional dismantling in confined spaces, every tree is assessed, planned and removed safely by experienced climbing arborists. Fully insured with £5 million public liability cover.

★★★★★

Not every tree can be saved. Sometimes felling is the safest, most practical option. A tree may need to be removed if it is dead or dying, structurally unstable, damaging property foundations, blocking light to a building, or simply outgrowing the space it was planted in. Trees affected by disease, fungal decay at the base, or significant storm damage are also candidates for removal rather than ongoing management.

At Staleys Tree Solutions, we survey every tree before quoting. If pruning or crown reduction would solve the problem, we will tell you. Felling is only recommended when it is genuinely the right course of action.

There are two main approaches to tree felling, and the method we use depends on the site.

Straight felling is used when there is enough clear ground around the tree for it to fall in one piece. We cut a directional notch and a felling cut, using wedges to guide the tree onto a predetermined lay. This is the fastest method and is common on open sites, farmland and larger gardens with good access.

Sectional dismantling is the method we use when space is limited. The climber ascends the tree and removes it in sections from the top down, lowering each piece on ropes to a ground crew below. This is essential for trees close to buildings, fences, power lines, neighbouring gardens or any structure that could be damaged by an uncontrolled fall. Most residential tree felling in Stirling is done this way because gardens, driveways and boundaries rarely allow a full-length drop.

Every felling job is risk-assessed before work begins. We identify hazards, plan escape routes, set up exclusion zones and brief anyone on site. All work follows current Forestry and Land Scotland guidance on safe felling practice.

We fell trees on all types of property. Domestic jobs range from a single garden tree that has outgrown its space to multiple conifers along a boundary line. Commercial work includes site clearance for building projects, tree removal from car parks, schools, care homes and public spaces, and ongoing woodland management for estates and landowners.

Access is always a consideration. We carry out a site survey before quoting to assess how we will get equipment in, where timber will be stacked, and whether any temporary road closures or neighbour notifications are needed. For tight-access sites, we use a combination of climbing, rigging and hand-carrying to get the job done without damaging surrounding ground or structures.

Once the tree is on the ground, we process it on site. Branchwood is fed through a chipper and removed. Larger sections of timber can be cut to log lengths and left for you if you want firewood, or we can take everything away. The site is raked clean of sawdust and debris before we leave.

The stump is a separate consideration. We can leave it flush-cut at ground level, or you can book our stump grinding service to remove it below ground. Grinding is usually recommended if you plan to replant, turf the area, or install a patio or driveway over the spot.

All waste is disposed of responsibly. Green waste is recycled into woodchip and timber offcuts are offered to local firewood suppliers where possible.

In Scotland, felling a tree in your own garden does not usually require a licence. However, if the tree is in a conservation area or has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you must apply to Stirling Council before any work can begin. Felling licences issued by Forestry and Land Scotland apply to larger-scale woodland felling, typically more than 5 cubic metres in a calendar quarter.

We check all of this before quoting. If permissions are needed, we will let you know and can advise on the application process. You will never be left guessing whether the work is legal.

For a full overview of our arborist services, including crown reduction, hedge trimming and emergency tree work, visit our main services page.

Or call 07599 00 88 09