Dead branches fall without warning, and they're heavier than most people expect. White's are NPTC qualified and CHAS accredited, removing dead and dying wood from mature trees across Carlisle and Cumbria.
What is Dead Wooding?
Dead wooding is the removal of dead, dying and broken branches from a tree’s canopy. It’s one of the most straightforward things you can do to reduce the risk a mature tree poses to people and property, and in most cases it’s completed in a single visit.
The work is typically specified by minimum branch diameter, for example removing all deadwood over 25mm. Every cut is made at the natural branch collar, with no stubs left behind. Stubs rot back into the tree and create further problems. Done correctly, the tree can compartmentalise each wound and the result lasts several years before the next inspection is needed.
Dead Wooding
Dead wooding covers more than pulling out a few loose branches. Here's what it actually involves, who needs it, and why it matters that the work is done properly.
Dead wooding is the systematic removal of dead, dying and broken branches from a tree’s canopy. A climber works through the crown identifying every branch over the specified minimum diameter and cuts each one at the natural collar point, where the tree can seal the wound.
Homeowners with mature trees over driveways, cars, conservatories, fences or garden buildings. Landlords and property managers with trees over footpaths or communal areas. Commercial sites, schools and estates where people regularly pass under tree canopies. And anyone who has had a branch come down unexpectedly and wants the rest checked before it happens again.
Late autumn through to early spring is the best time, when leaves are off and dead branches are clearly visible. Urgent dead wooding can be carried out at any time following a storm, after a branch drop, or off the back of a risk inspection.
If you have noticed sparse or bare sections of crown, dead twigs visible when the tree is in full leaf, or fungal brackets on the stem, those are signs the tree needs attention.
A dead branch does not need a storm to fall. It drops when its own weight exceeds the strength of the dried attachment point. Landowners have a legal duty of care for trees on their property, and insurers routinely reject claims involving deadwood that was visible and unmanaged.
The cost of having the work done is a fraction of what you are exposed to if a branch lands on a vehicle, a roof, or a person. It needs to be done by a climber working systematically through the canopy, not someone with a long pole from the ground.
Dead wood does not stay put. It builds up, and the risks it creates build with it. Here's what typically happens when dead branches are left in a tree for too long.
Dead branches fall in still conditions, not just in storms. Once the attachment point dries out and can no longer support the weight, the branch comes down. There is no reliable way to predict when from the ground.
Dead wood is colonised by decay fungi. Left in the canopy, those fungi spread back into the live wood and begin hollowing the tree from the inside. What starts as a removable branch becomes a structural problem.
A mid-sized dead branch falling from height carries enough force to damage a roof, write off a vehicle, or put someone in hospital. The longer the branch is left, the heavier and more unstable it becomes as it dries and decays.
Landowners are responsible for trees on their property. If deadwood was visible and nothing was done, that is difficult to defend if something goes wrong. A written record of inspection and remedial work is your protection.
Loss adjusters look for evidence that a risk was known and ignored. Visible deadwood in a tree that subsequently causes damage is exactly that. A dead wooding visit costs significantly less than an insurance dispute or an uninsured repair bill.
The more deadwood accumulates and the longer it is left, the more extensive the work becomes. Trees that are inspected and cleared on a regular cycle are quicker and cheaper to manage than those dealt with reactively after a problem.
What's Included
Every dead wooding job starts with a site assessment before work begins. We inspect the tree, agree the specification and minimum diameter, check for Tree Preservation Orders, and provide a written quote. Work does not begin until everything is agreed.
We inspect the canopy from ground level and from height, identifying all dead, dying and broken branches over the agreed minimum diameter before any cutting starts.
We check for Tree Preservation Orders and conservation area restrictions before work begins. If consent is required, we handle the application and wait for written approval.
A climber works systematically through the canopy, cutting each branch at the natural collar point. No stubs are left behind. All work is carried out to BS 3998 standards.
Branches are rigged and lowered in sections where needed. Sensitive areas below the tree, including vehicles, planting and glasshouses, are protected throughout.
All removed material is cleared on the day. Brash is chipped on site where access allows. The site is left clear before we go.
We walk the site with you before leaving, confirm the work is complete, and flag anything else in the tree worth your attention.
Testimonials
Rated 5.0 stars by customers across Carlisle & Cumbria
“Joe first came to our property on an emergency job during the storms, we thought one of the trees in our garden was going to fall onto our greenhouse. Despite the awful weather he came out to us within the day and immediately removed the unsafe tree. 1st class service!”
“I asked Joe to take a connifer tree down from my grandma’s garden that was starting to lean towards the house and making everyone very worried in high winds that it was going to fall on the house. I got in touch with Joe and asked him if he could sort it out for me and he quickly found time in his very busy schedule during these difficult times with COVID-19 and cut it down. My grandma only had one request and that was to be kind to her garden as she take great pride in her garden. Joe managed to take the tree down with no damage to anything not the lawn or the flower beds. I would definitely recommend and use Joe again very professional top quality job.”
“It is so nice to have someone come in and do what they said they were going to do. On time and in budget, with a smile on their face. Has been a complete joy to watch these guys WORK TOGETHER. Thank you Joe and team.”
Get in touch
Free site visit, written quote, no obligation. White's cover Carlisle, the Eden Valley and across Cumbria. Give us a call on 07716 895087 or send us a message.
Local Team
Great Prices
No obligation quotes