From A to Tree – a look at the A40 Tree Removal Works
Following the completion of our recent highways tree survey, we established that approximately 350 trees along the A40 Wycombe Road, between Studley Green and Piddington were very poor conditions and in deteriorating health, with many exhibiting signs of decline. Their elevated positioning was also identified as a concern, as it increased the risk they posed to the highway and the safety of its users. We don’t like to remove highway trees, as we recognise the benefits they bring more widely, but in this case the very real safety concerns meant we had to take decisive action swiftly.
The scope of the work
This major piece of work entailed the removal of all 350 potentially dangerous trees through the use of specialised machinery. All of these were either dead, dying, or diseased, and were situated on both sides of the highway. The majority were Ash (Fraxinus Spp). Most of these were either already dead or were displaying advanced symptoms of Ash Die-Back Disease (ADB), necessitating their removal.
Strategic Importance
The decision to carry out these removal works was considered critical, given that the A40 forms part of the Strategic Highway Network. Undertaking these works was designed to mitigate the risks associated with falling trees and shed branches, ensuring the safe use of the highway for all road users.
Collaborative Approach and Project Coordination
The swift and successful execution of the tree removal project was made possible through the diligence and collaborative efforts of the Highways team. Our Streetworks team played a pivotal role by negotiating road space requirements with SSE, who were engaged in the installation of new electrical services along the route. With SSE's ongoing closures scheduled until October 2026, a three-week window of opportunity was established, enabling the tree removal works to proceed efficiently.
Given the substantial quantity of trees designated for removal, it was essential to obtain a felling licence, followed by an exemption under the Highways Act 1980. This process was carried out with site support and direction from the Forestry Commission.
Buckinghamshire Highways’ supply chain partner, South Bucks Tree Surgeons, employed specialist machinery for the works to both mitigate the risk in the extraction of the trees and to ensure the works were completed to schedule.
Projects significant achievements
- The works were completed as scheduled during the designated three-week closure period.
- SSE was able to proceed with operations without disruption, benefiting from a significantly safer working environment.
- No major incidents or accidents occurred over the course of the project.
- This initiative constitutes the largest tree removal undertaking in the history of the Highway Maintenance Department.