*Our skilled arborist using rope access techniques to safely reach and manage high branches*

When towering trees begin to threaten safety, property managers need solutions—not stress. One recent project in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, illustrates how professional, precise tree care can remove risk while keeping nature intact.

For clients like Clem Dobson, whose site features enormous Wellingtonia trees overhanging a busy road and live power lines, the stakes are high. Add in Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and multiple layers of authority approval, and it’s clear this isn’t a job for just anyone.

In this case study, we reveal how CJ Tree Surgeons overcame logistical hurdles, met strict compliance standards, and delivered top-tier results within a single working day.

Why Specialist Tree Work Matters in Alvechurch

Alvechurch is known for its green spaces and mature trees. But as beautiful as they are, large trees, especially species like Wellingtonias, can cause real headaches when they’re overgrown, decaying, or intruding on infrastructure.

For commercial property managers, risks can include:

Falling deadwood near public roads
Proximity to power lines
Navigating protected tree status
Minimising downtime for tenants or public services

In this project, all of those elements came into play. The trees presented a serious health and safety risk, and the property manager needed a partner who could handle it all: from liaising with local authorities to coordinating with the National Grid.

*Precision rope climbing in action as our expert prepares to carry out careful pruning on-site at the Clem Dobson property*

Step-by-Step: How CJ Tree Surgeons Solved the Problem

1. Full Site Assessment and Legal Planning

After a comprehensive site survey, CJ Tree Surgeons confirmed the Wellingtonia trees were protected by a TPO. That meant any pruning or removal required council approval.

✓ We prepared and submitted the TPO application on the client’s behalf, ensuring the work was legally sound and professionally documented.

2. Coordinating Lane Closures & Traffic Safety

Because the trees overhung a narrow but well-used road, safety was paramount.

✓ We arranged a temporary lane closure through a specialist contractor, liaising with the local authority to secure permissions and ensure minimal disruption.

The twist? Approval was contingent on completing the job within a single day, a demanding deadline that required precision planning.

3. Managing Power Line Risks

One of the trees posed a risk to nearby power lines, introducing another layer of complexity.

✓ We worked with the National Grid to safely prune the infringing branches, coordinating timing and access to avoid disruption to local services.

4. Expert Tree Work to BS3998 Standards

Our certified arborists carried out:

Full crown cleaning
Deadwood removal
Target pruning to prevent future highway intrusion

All completed to BS3998 standards (the British Standard for tree work), especially critical when dealing with protected trees.

Real Results: Clem Dobson’s Feedback on the Project

“CJ Trees came highly recommended and we were pleased with the proposals made during a site survey for what was a tricky job.”

The team successfully completed the project on time, with no disruption to the site’s daily operations. The works were completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest arboricultural standards.

“The team, led by James, were self-effacing and dealt with some unforeseen complications around traffic management and consents directly with the relevant interested parties.”

That hands-on, all-in service approach made a big impact.

“As a commercial managing agent… CJ Trees were exemplary. They handled the whole job proactively, only needing our input for essential information and authorisations, freeing us up to concentrate on our main workload.”

*Our tree surgeon working safely above ground near the roadside, with a team member overseeing operations to ensure a secure work environment*

Common Questions We Often Hear

A. Yes, but only with permission from the Local Authority. We handle the entire application process for our clients.
A. Absolutely. We manage road closures, diversions, and notifications through qualified contractors.
A. We collaborate with utility providers like the National Grid to ensure safe, legal works near live services.