Hazardous tree felling: A complete guide to procedures, permits and costs

Do you have a tree in your garden or near the building that threatens the surroundings? Hazardous tree felling is a specific discipline where safety and precision play a major role. In this article, you will learn how to identify a tree ripe for felling, how the procedure is carried out using rope access techniques and what all affects the final price.

Hazardous tree felling with a Stihl chainsaw

What is hazardous tree felling?

Unlike normal felling in the forest, where the tree has room to fall freely, hazardous tree felling is done in a limited space. These are situations where the fall of the entire tree could directly endanger:

  • family houses, neighboring buildings or pergolas,

  • power lines and utility networks,

  • fences, pools or ornamental planting,

  • public roads and busy sidewalks.

Professional procedure: How we cut down trees using the tree rope access techniques

In hazardous tree felling, we do not use a heavy technique (unless absolutely necessary), but a method gradually cutting off parts of the tree. This approach is gentle on the surrounding terrain.

  1. Exit to the crown: A certified arborist (tree climber) climbs into the crown of the tree using special ropes and harnesses.

  2. Removing branches: Branches are gradually cut off. If there is no handling space under the tree, the branches are safely lowered down on ropes (rigging).

  3. Felling the trunk in parts: The trunk is not cut at the ground, but from top to bottom in short sections that are directed to the impact surface under control.

  4. Cleaning and disposal: After felling, we will arrange crushing of the branches in a wood chipper or complete removal of the wood material as agreed.

Hazardous tree felling

When is a felling permit required?

Legislation in the Czech Republic defines clear rules for when you can cut down yourself and when you must ask the authorities:

  • Without permission: Trees with a trunk circumference of up to 80 cm (measured at a height of 130 cm above the ground) can be felled.

  • With permission: For trees with a circumference of more than 80 cm, it is necessary to apply for a permit at the relevant municipal office (department of the environment).

  • Fruit trees: On land registered in the cadastre as a garden or built-up area, fruit trees can usually be cut down without a permit, regardless of their size (this does not apply to memorial trees).

The price of hazardous tree felling: What factors determine it?

The price for hazardous tree felling is never fixed because each tree presents a different challenge. The main factors are:

  1. Difficulty of the surroundings: Is the tree above the greenhouse or in the open area? The less space, the more demanding handling.

  2. Tree Health: Rot or cracks increase the risk to arborists and require more complex securing.

  3. Necessity of lowering loads: If each piece of wood has to be braked with a rope so as not to damage anything, the work takes longer.

  4. Availability: Distance from the road for hauling wood and chipping branches.

Tip: For an exact price quote, just send us a photo of the tree and its surroundings, or arrange a personal inspection.

Hazardous tree felling

Why outsource felling to the HardyMT team?

Working at heights with a chainsaw requires maximum experience and certified equipment. At HardyMT, we emphasize the safety of your property and our workers. We are insured for any damage, which is a key standard for hazardous tree felling.

Do you need a professional assessment of your tree? Contact us for a non-binding consultation or check out our current price list of services.

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