Is Tree Removal Justified?

At Devon Tree Services, we believe in working with trees, not against them. So, Is Tree Removal Justified? Our ethos is simple: enhance the long-term relationship between people and trees—balancing safety, aesthetics, biodiversity, and sustainability.

So when the question of tree removal arises, it’s never taken lightly. We always explore alternatives such as pruning, crown reduction, cabling, or habitat retention first. But there are times when removal is the most appropriate, proportionate, and responsible action.

Here’s what justified tree removal looks like under BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations and National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) guidance.

When Is Tree Removal Justified?

Tree removal may be warranted when the risk to people, property, or wider tree populations outweighs the benefits of retention. This assessment is based on structural condition, location, usage of surrounding land, and potential for mitigation.

We follow a structured approach that includes:

Visual Tree Assessment (VTA)
Evaluation of defect severity and likelihood of failure
Site usage zoning (to assess risk)
Consideration of all possible remedial options

Tree removal is justified when it is the minimum necessary work required to manage risk or meet a valid objective.

Common Reasons for Tree Removal

While every tree is assessed on its own merits, typical justifications include:

Dead or structurally unsound trees
Where a tree has died or suffered structural failure, and retention would pose a clear and present danger to people, property, or access routes.
Storm-damaged trees
Trees that have suffered major crown loss, root plate disturbance, or stem splitting and are no longer safe to retain, even with remedial works.
Serious decay or pest infestation
Where fungi, boring insects, or structural decay have compromised the tree beyond safe management, and risk cannot be reduced through pruning or bracing.
Damage to buildings or infrastructure
Where root systems have caused subsidence, drain damage, or lifted hard surfaces, and mitigation is not feasible.
Planning and development constraints
Where trees conflict with essential site development or planning conditions, and cannot be retained within the approved layout.
Inappropriate species or placement
Where a tree’s mature size or characteristics are unsuited to its location—such as fast-growing species planted too close to structures or in confined gardens.
Light or access obstruction
In rare cases where a tree causes significant obstruction to light, views, or essential access, and cannot be resolved through pruning alone.

Safety and Compliance at Every Stage

Tree removal is a high-risk operation, requiring experience, planning, and careful coordination. At Devon Tree Services, we ensure every removal project is carried out with:

Site-specific risk assessments and method statements
Nesting bird and protected species checks (in compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981)
Safe working procedures for aerial and ground-based felling
In-house traffic management and pedestrian safety measures, where trees are near roads or paths
Rescue planning for climbing operations, ensuring full compliance with Work at Height Regulations

If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located in a Conservation Area, we will also handle the consent or notification process for you.

A Clean, Considered Finish

Once felling is complete, we leave your site safe, tidy, and ready for future use. Our removal service typically includes:

All timber, branches, and chip cleared from site (unless requested otherwise)
Optional stump grinding below ground level to remove trip hazards or allow for replanting
Sustainable options for retained material, such as mulch, firewood, or habitat piles
Advice on replanting, if required by planning conditions or ecological aims

We also offer post-removal support, such as tree replacement plans or biodiversity enhancements to help offset canopy loss and maintain green infrastructure.

The Ethos Behind the Chainsaw

We understand that removing a tree can be emotional, especially if it’s mature or has personal significance. That’s why we make every decision transparently, guided by best practice, legal compliance, and a genuine respect for trees.

Tree removal should never be the default option. But when it’s justified, it must be done with care, expertise, and a clear plan for what comes next—whether that’s replanting, habitat creation, or simply returning peace of mind.