There is a distinct rhythm to tree surgery in the summer. As the team at North Cheshire Forestry Services loaded up the trucks at our yard in Marple this June morning, the weather was doing what June in the North West does best: offering a mix of heavy showers and sudden, brilliant bursts of warm sunshine.
For today’s job, we were taking the short drive down the A6 into Disley. Nestled right on the edge of the Peak District, Disley is home to some beautiful, established gardens, but the undulating terrain and damp climate mean that stumps left behind can linger for years if they aren’t dealt with properly. Our task was to grind out two persistent conifer stumps that were currently taking up valuable space in a residential garden. With the weather fluctuating between rain and shine, we knew we’d need to work efficiently to keep the lawn in good shape while getting the job done.
When we arrived at the property, a brief shower was just passing over. While great for the garden, this left the grass quite wet. Operating heavy machinery on wet lawns requires extra care. If you just roll a heavy stump grinder across damp turf, you risk leaving deep ruts that can take months to heal.
We took the time to assess the access path and laid down protective ground boards where necessary to distribute the weight of our equipment. Along with our pedestrian stump grinder, we unloaded our chainsaws, fuel, rakes, shovels, and heavy duty barrier screens.
Conifers are incredibly popular in Cheshire for quick privacy, but once they are felled, their root systems remain dense and stubborn. These two stumps were positioned in a spot where the homeowner was hoping to replant, but the sprawling roots stood firmly in the way. Before turning a key, we did our standard sweep of the area, checking for hidden stones or bricks that might have been swallowed up by the soil around the base of the trees over the years.
The two stumps presented slightly different challenges. The first of the pair had been cut down somewhat high during the initial felling, leaving about a foot of solid, fibrous conifer trunk standing above the soil.
Trying to tackle a high stump directly with a stump grinder isn’t the best approach. The grinding wheel works most efficiently when it can sweep side to side across a flat, low profile. Working it against a high, vertical block of wood places unnecessary wear on the machinery and takes twice as long.
As a brief window of warm June sunshine broke through the clouds, I fired up the chainsaw to reduce the stump. Cutting into seasoned conifer always releases a strong, resinous pine aroma which felt particularly fresh in the damp summer air. I made a clean cut to take the top section off, bringing the stump down to within a couple of inches of the ground. The offcut was set aside to be processed, leaving us with a much safer and more manageable starting point for the grinder.
With the chainsaw work complete, the clouds rolled back in, and a light shower began to fall. In some ways, a bit of rain is actually helpful when grinding; it dampens down the wood dust, stopping it from drifting too far on the breeze.
I fired up the stump grinder and maneuvered it into position over the first stump. The machine is equipped with a heavy steel cutting wheel to shred the stumps. As the engine hummed, I engaged the drive and lowered the spinning wheel onto the wood, sweeping it slowly from side to side.
As the teeth bit into the conifer, a steady mixture of damp woodchips and dark Disley soil began to spray from the wheel, caught by the machine’s heavy rubber guards and our protective screens. We worked the machine down into the ground, grinding well below the surface to ensure the main crown of the root system was completely destroyed. This depth is vital because it ensures that any lateral roots won’t interfere with future digging or planting.
Once the first stump was reduced to a steaming pile of fresh mulch, the sun broke through the clouds again, warming the garden up instantly. I moved the grinder over to the second, lower stump and repeated the process, carefully chasing the thickest root spurs outward until the ground was completely clear of solid timber.
Many people assume the hardest part of the job is the grinding itself, but at North Cheshire Forestry Services, we believe a job is only as good as the clean up.
Grinding out two stumps produces a surprisingly large volume of mulch. Because the timber is shredded and mixed with soil, it expands significantly. The rain had made the mulch damp and heavy, which actually made it easier to manage with a shovel without it blowing around the garden.
I took a heavy spring rake and a shovel to begin reinstating the ground. I backfilled the holes with the fine organic mix produced by the grinder, packing it down firmly so it wouldn’t sink later on. I then graded the remaining soil back neatly to level off the area so it sat flush with the rest of the garden’s natural contours.
To finish off, I gave the entire work area a proper tidying up. I swept down the nearby paving, raked up any stray twigs, and used the blower to clear away the last remnants of sawdust from the grass.
By the time we loaded the equipment back onto the truck, the sun was fully out again, drying off the garden and showing off the completed work. Where two awkward, unsightly conifer stumps had stood that morning, there was now only neat, flat soil.
The garden looked spacious, clean, and ready for whatever the homeowner had lined up next. It was a classic morning of summer tree surgery, dodging the showers, enjoying the sunshine, and leaving another local garden in great shape.
If you have some old stumps on your property in Disley, Marple, or the wider Cheshire area that are getting in the way of your garden plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at North Cheshire Forestry Services. We’re always here to help you get your garden back to how you want it.
Just like humans have complex systems working together to keep us alive, trees are remarkable living organisms with intricate parts that each play a vital role in their survival.Whether you’re an inquisitive homeowner or want to better understand the gentle giants in your backyard, knowing your tree’s anatomy helps you identify issues early on so that your trees can thrive for generations to come.
Parts Of a Tree, The Root System:Think of roots as both a tree’s support and its feeding system. Hidden beneath the soil, this complex network does far more than just anchor your tree:
• Structural roots: The massive main roots that keep your tree standing
• Feeder roots: Tiny hair-like roots that absorb water and nutrients
• Root flare: The visible transition between trunk and roots at ground level
Did you know? A healthy tree’s root system often spreads 2-3 times wider than its canopy!
Parts Of a Tree, The Tree’s Core: Trunk and Bark
Your tree’s trunk is its lifeline, connecting roots to canopy through several crucial layers:
Outer Bark: The tree’s protective armor
Cambium: The growing layer (like our skin’s regenerative cells)
Sapwood: Carries water and nutrients upward
Heartwood: Provides central strength and stability
Parts Of a Tree, The Living Canopy: Branches and Leaves
The canopy is where the magic of photosynthesis happens:
• Branches: Nature’s scaffold system
• Twigs: New growth zones
• Leaves: Solar panels that feed the tree
• Buds: Next season’s growth points
Health Indicators to Watch:
• Bark: Should be intact without deep cracks or wounds
• Leaf color: Typically deep green during growing season
• Branch structure: Strong unions without crossing branches
• Root flare: Visible at ground level, not buried
Each part works in harmony to keep your tree healthy, and understanding these basics helps you become a better steward of your landscape’s most valuable assets.
[Continuing the article…]
Parts Of a Tree, The Root System: Your Tree’s Foundation
Imagine roots as an underground city, complete with highways (large roots) and side streets (smaller feeder roots). This complex network typically reaches 18-24 inches deep, though some stretch much deeper in search of water.
Key Functions:
• Anchoring support
• Water absorption
• Nutrient collection
• Food storage
• Soil stabilization
Warning Signs of Root Problems:
• Mushrooms near the trunk
• Leaning tree
• Soil heaving
• Declining canopy
• Exposed roots with damage
Parts Of a Tree, The Mighty Trunk: Your Tree’s Highway System
Like a busy interstate highway, your tree’s trunk is constantly moving resources up and down through specialized layers:
Bark (The Protector)
• Shields against insects, disease, and weather
• Expands as the tree grows
• Varies in texture by species
• Shows signs of stress through cracks or wounds
Cambium Layer (The Growth Engine)
• Creates new cells
• Produces new bark and wood
• Heals wounds
• Determines trunk expansion
Sapwood (The Pipeline)
• Transports water and minerals upward
• Stores and moves sugars
• Becomes heartwood as tree ages
• Shows tree’s recent growth history
Heartwood (The Pillar)
• Provides structural support
• Contains preserved dead cells
• Resists decay
• Determines tree strength
The Living Crown: Branches and Leaves
Your tree’s canopy is a solar-powered food factory:
Branches:
• Form the tree’s framework
• Direct growth patterns
• Support leaves and fruit
• Show seasonal adaptation
Leaves:
• Convert sunlight to energy
• Release oxygen
• Control water loss
• Signal tree health
Seasonal Changes and Care:
Spring:
• New growth emerges
• Energy reserves deploy
• Acceleration of root growth; pay attention to the proper development of the leaves
Summer:
• Active photosynthesis
• Highest water requirement
• Full development of canopy
• Stress symptoms are visible
Fall:
• Starts storing energy
• Color change in foliage
• Continuous root development
• Tree gets ready for winter dormancy
Winter:
• Dormancy period
• Test of structural strength
Remember: Trees are living investments which increase in value with every year passed and provide many benefits. Understanding their anatomy helps you make informed decisions about their care and know when to call in professional help.
When to Call a Professional While understanding tree anatomy helps you monitor tree health, certain signs warrant expert attention:
Warning Signs: • Sudden lean in trunk • Large dead branches • Cracks in major limbs • Mushrooms on roots or trunk • Cavities or decay • Power line conflicts • Root damage from construction
Spring (March-May): • Inspect winter damage • Check for proper leaf emergence • Look for pest issues • Schedule preventative treatments
Summer (June-August): • Monitor water needs • Watch for storm damage • Check for insect activity • Assess growth patterns
Fall (September-November): • Prepare for winter • Clear fallen leaves • Check structural integrity • Plan winter pruning
Winter (December-February): • Conduct structural pruning • Assess snow/ice damage • Plan spring treatments • Schedule consultations
Trees add significant value to your property: • Increase property value 10-20% • Reduce energy costs • Improve air quality • Provide wildlife habitat • Create shade and privacy
Regular Maintenance Checklist: □ Annual professional inspection □ Proper mulching □ Regular watering schedule □ Timely pruning □ Soil management □ Root zone protection
Like all organisms, trees need regular attention if they are to thrive. Understanding their anatomy helps you: • Recognize problems when they first appear • Make informed decisions about care • Know when to consult professionals • Protect your investment • Provide long-term health
After all, a healthy tree is a collaboration of nature and nurture. And while trees have been surviving on their own for millions of years, the urban environments they grow in come with unique challenges that require our attention and care.
Final Tips for Tree Success:
Standing quietly in a Scottish churchyard, a tree has been witnessing history unfold for what might be over 5,000 years. unsuprisingly the iks oldest tree is believed to be Britain’s oldest living thing, has survived countless wars, plagues,has a biblical myth attached to it, yet continues to produce new growth each year. As an arborist who’s had the privilege of studying ancient trees across Britain, I can tell you – this remarkable yew has stories to tell.
Fortingall in Perthshire, Scotland, is where the UK’s oldest tree tree began its life when the pyramids of Egypt were still under construction. With an staggering age between 2,000 and 5,000 years, experts believe it could be the oldest living organism inthe whole of Europe. The exact age remains debated, as the tree’s heartwood has long since decayed, making traditional ring counting impossible.
Today, what remains of the original trunk of the UK’s oldest tree is split into several fragments, creating the appearance of multiple trees. But don’t let this fool you – these are all parts of the same ancient organism. The tree’s circumference was once recorded at 56 feet in 1769, though Victorian souvenir hunters significantly reduced its size by taking pieces of the tree home with them.
Yew trees have remarkable regenerative properties. Even when the central trunk dies, new growth can emerge from the outer areas, allowing these trees to achieve extraordinary ages.
Local legends claim that Pontius Pilate was born in shade of its leaves and played under the tree as a young boy. While this tale is likely a myth, it speaks to the tree’s ability to inspire legend.
Today, UK’s oldest tree is protected by a stone wall, installed in the 1800s to prevent further damage from souvenir hunters. The tree is looked after for signs of stress or disease, and it’s still growing even now – it is increadable that somthing so old continues to thrive.
In a fascinating twist, scientists discovered in 2015 that a portion of this male tree had begun producing female berries – a rare phenomenon that demonstrates the remarkable adaptability of ancient yews.
When visiting ancient trees like the Fortingall Yew, maintain a respectful distance and never remove any parts of the tree. These living monuments are irreplaceable parts of our natural heritage.
Famous for its alleged connections to Robin Hood, this massive oak is between 800-1,100 years old. With a girth of 33 feet and a canopy spread of 92 feet, it’s the largest oak tree in Britain. The tree has been supported by an elaborate system of props since the Victorian era.
Located at Runnymede, this 2,500-year-old yew reportedly witnessed the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. It’s also said that Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn beneath its branches. Today, it stands as one of the National Trust’s most treasured trees.
Standing in Lincolnshire, this oak is thought to be over 1,000 years old and holds the record for the largest girth of any oak tree in Britain at 40 feet. The tree is notable for its hollow trunk, which was once used for dining parties in the Victorian era.
The Llangernyw Yew in North Wales rivals the Fortingall Yew in age, with estimates ranging between 4,000-5,000 years. Similarly, the Defynnog Yew in Powys is believed to be between 2,000-5,000 years old, showcasing Wales’ impressive collection of ancient yews.
Located in Surrey, this remarkable yew is over 4,000 years old and actually has a hollow trunk fitted with a door and seating in the 18th century. It continues to thrive in its churchyard home, aliving example of how increadable these ancient yews are.
Britain’s ancient trees form a living connection to our past, with each having unique characteristics and historical significance. Many are protected as part of our natural heritage, and several are listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory maintained by the Woodland Trust.
The tree stands in the churchyard of Fortingall Parish Church and is accessible to the public. However, visitors should respect the protective barriers and view the tree from a safe distance to ensure its continued preservation for future generations.
North Cheshire Forestry were recently asked to perform a crown thin and crown lift on a mature beach tree in Heaton Moor. While it was a beautiful mature tree, the lower branches were starting to become a problem for both the customer and their neighbours. While consulting the client it was also decided that a crown thin to increase light and reduce wind resistance was a good course of action.
The tree was situated between the customers garden, their neighbours and also over the road. This made traffic control and public safety the first priority for our team. After setting up a safe work area we proceeded setting up and clearing the area beneath the tree of any breakables, then setting up the rope system we would be using for this tree.
When any tree surgeon works on a tree of this size good awareness and communication are vital in order to complete the work safely. All our staff are both trained and experienced in tree care in order to facilitate this.
This was a job where we employed ropes to remove most of the branches. Because of the busy road and members of the public nearby a controlled removal of the branches was the obvious best option. Anything lowered onto the road was done in combination with traffic control to prevent any mishaps. While the climber was setting up, the next lower branches were cut up, chipped and logs stacked, ready to be removed.
Once the tree was crown lifted we then moved on to the thinning of the tree. With a tree of this size a crown thin is a time consuming process, but well worth having done to increase light and increase stability via reduced wind resistance. Dead wood is of course removed as part of this process but in this case the tree was in fine condition with minimal dead wood present.
Once the crown thin was completed we removed any remaining branches, loaded the logs and cleaned the site. We then opened up access for the public beneath the tree. After checking with the customer that everything was to their liking we went to recycle the logs and chippings from the site.
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North Cheshire Forestry were recently in Sparrowpit where a customer needed a tree reducing by a substantial amount. The tree was very near to the house and while they liked it the tree needed to be reduced, both to clear the house, adjacent shed and to improve the overall stability of the tree.
Because stability was an issue, it was decided to thin out the tree in order to reduce wind resistance. While more work, tree pruning in addition to the reduction was a better overall solution.
We began the tree pruning by clearing the branches from the house side of the tree as this was the harder part of the task. Due to nature of the job, we employed ropes in order to make sure there were no mishaps with the removal of the branches over the roof of the house. We then shaped that side of the tree and thinned it out to reduce wind resistance.
We then did some tree pruning of the top of the tree slightly. We were not trying to bring the height down as this was not what the customer wanted, so just some shaping and removal of leaders was required. After a bit of a thin we moved on to the other side of the tree.
Here we removed branches that had started to cause problems for the clients shed, did some tree pruning to balance up the tree and improved overall wind stability. We the removed some other lower branches and thinned out the tree to leave it in as good condition as possible.
Once we had completed our tree pruning as we thought it should be, we consulted with the customer to make sure they were happy with our work. We had already chipped the branches we had removed and cut any of the bigger logs into movable pieces.
We began to tidy the area up, not forgetting the roof of the house which needed some sawdust blowing off the roof.Our mornings work completed, we then went off to do our next job. Thanks for reading our recent work blog. North Cheshire Forestry.
Our Team
We recently had a customer in Marple with a tree that in his front garden that had become a problem. The tree was situated at the front of his property and had reached the stage of being a nuisance for both himself and his neighbour. After an initial consultation it was decided that the best course was the complete removal of the tree to ground level, so a time to do the job was arranged.
When we arrived on the morning of the job we decided that a sectional fell was the best approach. We then made sure that the area around the tree was clear and people could see that tree work was in progress from from some distance away. We set up our equipment and the climber got into position to start the removal. The climber then began to dismantle the tree.
We began with the branches in order to both maximise efficiency and to provide protection for the ground as we progressed to the bigger parts of the tree. One of our team was responsible for securing the site and making sure no member of the public approached the work area
Once the branches had been safely removed we began a safe sectional dismantle of the trunk of the tree. We began to remove any excess brush wood while leaving plenty of protection for the ground from the remaining logs.
The sectioning of the trunk went well and the tree was soon on the ground safely. We then chipped any remaining branches, loaded any unwanted logs and cleaned up the site. After checking everything was ok for the customer we then loaded up our equipment and got ready for the next job
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