Home› Tree Felling & Dismantling Risk Assessment
Tree Felling & Dismantling Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe the trees, felling method and team — straight felling, climbing and dismantling, structures nearby. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant risk assessment covering drop zones, rigging, and chainsaw safety in minutes.
Used by self-employed arborists, tree surgery firms and forestry contractors across the UK
🪓 Felling near a shed, fence or building? Mention it — we'll include exclusion zones, sectional dismantling controls, rigging plans and the specific measures required to protect people and property in the drop zone.
Legal requirements for tree felling and dismantling
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer and self-employed person to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before undertaking hazardous work. Tree felling is one of the highest-risk activities the HSE monitors — falls from height, being struck by falling timber, and chainsaw contact injuries account for the majority of serious incidents in arboriculture and forestry each year.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply directly to climbing and dismantling operations, requiring suitable work equipment, competent operators, and rescue plans for anyone working aloft. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to chainsaws and rigging equipment, requiring that they are suitable, maintained, and used only by trained and competent operators.
Where felling or dismantling takes place near buildings, public access areas or roads, additional duties arise under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect people not directly involved in the work — including neighbours, passers-by and building occupants. A written risk assessment documenting exclusion zones, communication procedures and rigging or drop-zone controls is expected by clients, insurers and the HSE alike.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Tell us the number and species of trees, the felling method for each — straight fell or climbing and dismantle — team size, and any nearby structures, boundaries or overhead services.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant tree felling and dismantling risk assessment referencing the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to your client, insurer or site manager, or file it for your own compliance records. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every tree felling and dismantling risk assessment is written in full — covering both ground-based and aerial hazards.
Directional felling and hinge control for straight fells
Climbing, rigging and sectional dismantling controls
Drop zone identification and exclusion zone control
Protection of nearby structures — sheds, fences, buildings
Chainsaw operation — competence and PPE requirements
Rope access and harness systems for aerial work
Aerial rescue plan and rescue-competent operator on site
Falling timber and struck-by hazard control
Ground team communication and signalling procedures
Manual handling of felled timber and brash
Overhead and underground service proximity
Weather conditions — wind speed limits for felling and climbing
Public and third-party protection near roads or footpaths
Emergency procedures and first aid arrangements
Works for
From straightforward straight fells to technical rigged dismantling near buildings, Anyrisks covers every tree felling scenario.
What customers say
"We had two ash trees to fell, one right next to a shed. Anyrisks covered the straight fell and the climbing dismantle separately, with a proper rigging and exclusion zone plan for the one near the shed."
Craig D.
Tree surgeon, Yorkshire
"I run a two-person crew and every job now needs a documented risk assessment for our insurer. This gave me a proper one in minutes rather than adapting an old template that didn't quite fit."
Owen R.
Self-employed arborist, Wales
"Ash dieback removals near houses are the trickiest jobs we do. The assessment covered the drop zone, sectional dismantling and rescue plan — exactly what our client's site manager wanted to see."
Lisa M.
Arboriculture contractor, Kent
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers both straight felling and climbing dismantle | ✓ | ✗ |
| Drop zone and exclusion zone controls specified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Structures and buildings nearby addressed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Rigging and rope access hazards covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chainsaw competence and PPE specified | ✓ | Sometimes |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment for tree felling and dismantling?
Yes. Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, anyone carrying out tree felling or dismantling work must complete a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before starting. Tree work is classed by the HSE as one of the highest-risk activities in forestry and arboriculture, so a written assessment covering felling method, drop zone control, climbing and rigging is essential — not optional.
Does this cover both straight felling and technical dismantling?
Yes. Describe the felling method for each tree — straight fell, sectional felling, or climbing and dismantle with rigging — and the assessment will address the specific hazards of each, including directional felling control, rigging point loads, and controlled lowering of sections near structures or obstacles.
What if there is a structure, building or shed near the tree?
Mention any nearby structures such as sheds, fences, buildings, roads or overhead lines. The assessment will include exclusion zones, sectional dismantling recommendations, rigging plans to control the drop zone, and communication procedures between the climber and ground team to protect property below.
Does it cover chainsaw and climbing competence requirements?
Yes. The assessment references the requirement for operators to hold relevant chainsaw certificates of competence (such as NPTC units for felling and aerial tree work) and for climbers to use appropriate rope access, harnesses and rescue equipment in line with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Is PPE for chainsaw operators included?
Yes. The assessment specifies chainsaw-rated protective clothing, helmet with visor and hearing protection, gloves and boots, in line with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and HSE guidance for arboriculture and forestry work.
Can it cover a two-person felling team with different roles?
Yes. Describe how many people are working, and their roles — for example one person straight felling and one climbing and dismantling — and the assessment will address supervision, communication, exclusion zones and emergency arrangements for each role separately.
How is this different from a general tree surgery risk assessment?
This assessment is specific to felling and dismantling operations, including directional felling, rigging, controlled sectional dismantling and confined drop zones near structures. It goes into more technical detail than a general tree surgery assessment, covering rope and rigging systems, aerial rescue and property protection.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the trees, felling methods, team size and any nearby structures, and Anyrisks produces a complete, regulation-referenced tree felling and dismantling risk assessment instantly.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator