Managing Overgrown Conifers in Surrey

Conifers are common in gardens across Guildford and the wider Surrey area, prized for their evergreen privacy and year-round structure. But when left unchecked, they can grow too tall, begin to lean, or overshadow gardens and nearby buildings.
When a conifer becomes too large or poses a safety risk, section felling is often the safest and most controlled method of removal.

What Is Section Felling?

Section felling (also called sectional dismantling) is a precise tree removal technique used when there isn’t enough space to fell the entire tree in one go.
Instead of cutting the tree from the base, our qualified arborists carefully remove it in sections — piece by piece — from the top down, using ropes, rigging, and safety equipment.
This approach ensures complete control, prevents damage to nearby property or gardens, and keeps the work area safe and tidy.

The Guildford Project

Recently, ArborLife Tree Surgeons were called to Guildford to safely remove a mature conifer that had become too large for its setting.

Challenges included:

• Restricted access and nearby fencing

• Power lines close to the crown

• Neighbouring gardens within the drop zone


Our approach:

1. Site inspection & safety plan – Assessed hazards and prepared risk assessments.

2. Rigging and rope system setup – Used specialist climbing gear to lower each section carefully.

3. Top-down dismantling – Removed limbs in manageable pieces, ensuring full control at every stage.

4. Trunk section removal – Cut and lowered trunk sections until the stump remained.

5. Site clearance – All arisings chipped on site and area left clean and tidy.


Outcome:

• Safe, controlled removal of a large conifer

• Zero damage to surrounding property

• Happy client with a brighter, more open garden


Why Choose ArborLife Tree Surgeons in Guildford?

• Experienced in large conifer removals and sectional felling

• Fully insured and qualified to BS 3998 standards

• Expert climbers and rigging specialists for tight or complex spaces

• Local knowledge of Guildford, Godalming, and surrounding Surrey areas

• Environmentally responsible disposal of timber and woodchip


Benefits of Section Felling

• Complete control — safe in tight spaces

• Minimal ground impact — protects lawns, patios, and flowerbeds

• No property damage — each section lowered with rigging

• Efficient and tidy — no need for large machinery


Section Felling Conifers in Guildford

1. What is the difference between felling and section felling?
• Felling means cutting a tree down in one piece from the base.

• Section felling is removing it in smaller, controlled sections — safer in built-up or restricted areas.


2. Is section felling safe for nearby property?
Yes. Section felling is one of the safest ways to remove large trees near buildings, fences, or roads. Each piece is rigged and lowered to the ground rather than dropped.

3. Do I need permission to remove a large conifer in Guildford?
If your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located in a conservation area, you’ll need approval from Guildford Borough Council before removal. We can check and handle this process for you.

4. How long does section felling take?
A single large conifer usually takes half a day to a full day, depending on size, access, and site conditions.

5. What happens to the waste?
All branches and trunk sections are chipped or removed from site. We also offer eco-friendly woodchip recycling and stump grinding services.

Section felling is the safest and most efficient way to remove large conifers in confined or residential areas. At ArborLife Tree Surgeons, we recently completed a controlled dismantle of a mature conifer in Guildford, restoring light and safety to the property while leaving the garden spotless.
If you need a large tree safely reduced or removed, contact ArborLife Tree Surgeons today for a free, no-obligation quote.