Farewell to a Hollow Giant
This week, in the sweltering 30-degree heat, our team undertook one of the most challenging and bittersweet jobs of the summer: felling a massive, long-dead Lebanese cedar in the village of Welwyn.
Standing proud for decades, this beautiful tree was more than just part of the landscape – it was a landmark in the village and held a special place in the hearts of local residents. Sadly, time and decay had taken their toll. A thorough inspection revealed the trunk was almost entirely hollow, posing a significant health and safety risk to anyone passing beneath it. As much as we love to preserve trees, in this case, careful removal was the only responsible option.
Before any work began, the tree was professionally surveyed by a chartered arboriculturalist, who confirmed the severity of the decay and recommended removal. The project was then formally approved by the local council. As part of the plan, this much-loved cedar will be replaced with a young oak tree, ensuring the site continues to offer beauty, shade and ecological value for generations to come.
Assessing the Risk
It’s never an easy decision to bring down such a characterful tree. We always start with a detailed assessment, looking at structural integrity, habitat value, and potential risks. With this cedar, the signs of decay were impossible to ignore with a hollow trunk offering little support.
In a populated area, the consequences of a sudden failure could have been catastrophic. Our role as professional arborists is not only to care for trees but also to protect people and property. After discussions with the landowner and local stakeholders, the decision was made to proceed with removal before the situation worsened.
The Logistics of a Mammoth Removal
Tackling a tree of this scale in hot weather presented unique challenges. We brought in a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) to allow safe, precise access to the canopy. Using the MEWP ensured our climbers could work efficiently without spending extended time on ropes in the high heat.
Piece by piece, the upper branches were carefully dismantled, lowered by rigging, and processed on the ground. Given the sheer size and weight of the sections, we enlisted the help of a HIAB lorry with a hydraulic crane to lift and transport the larger trunk pieces safely.
Every cut revealed more of the hollow interior. By the time we reached the lower stem, it was clear the cavity extended almost the full height of the tree – a stark reminder of how outward appearance doesn’t always show the true state within.
Honouring the Tree’s Legacy
Though the removal was necessary, it felt important to ensure this cedar’s story didn’t end at the chipper. Instead of disposing of the entire trunk, we worked with the village community to preserve large sections that could be repurposed. The enormous stump has been left with seats carved out for the community to enjoy for years to come. The lower trunk has been saved to create useable table tops and benches for the village – a fitting tribute that will allow this tree to remain part of daily life in a different form. Transforming a hazard into something positive feels like the right legacy for such a remarkable specimen.
Why Early Inspections Matter
This project highlights why regular tree assessments are so important, particularly for mature specimens in public spaces. Early intervention can sometimes save a declining tree, but when decay is advanced, knowing when to act is critical.
If you’re concerned about a large tree on your property, don’t wait for visible failure. A professional inspection can provide peace of mind and help you plan next steps safely.
Need Advice?
Whether it’s a cherished cedar, a veteran oak, or any tree in between, we’re here to help you make informed decisions. From risk assessments to complex removals and conservation-focused pruning, our team is experienced, qualified, and passionate about keeping people safe while respecting the trees we care for.
Get in touch if you’d like to discuss an inspection or tree care plan tailored to your site.
