About Trees Ltd. provides professional roadside tree management services across Kent, supporting estates, landowners, and commercial property managers with safe, compliant arboricultural works. This project, carried out for Savills, involved crown lifting and tree pruning works to meet Kent County Council Highways standards, ensuring safe clearance for vehicles and pedestrians while maintaining tree health and long-term tree structure.

Roadside Tree Management in Kent

Client: Savills
Location: Kent
Project Duration: Scheduled Highway Tree Maintenance Works

Project Overview

About Trees Ltd. carried out roadside tree management works on behalf of Savills along a roadside boundary within a managed estate in Kent.

The project focused on crown lifting a range of mature roadside trees, including elm, sycamore, and hawthorn, to achieve Kent County Council Highways clearance standards. These works were required to improve visibility, maintain safe access for vehicles and pedestrians, and reduce ongoing risk along the roadside boundary.

Due to the narrow country road, the 60mph speed limit, and the close proximity of the trees to the carriageway, the project required a full road closure and a carefully planned approach to ensure works could be completed safely.

Planning and Highways Compliance

The works were designed to achieve the required KCC Highways clearances of 5.2 metres above the carriageway and 2.4 metres above the footpath, with a 0.45-metre setback from the kerb.

Each tree required individual assessment to ensure pruning works met clearance standards while maintaining the long-term health, structure, and appearance of the trees.

Because of the restricted road width and high-speed traffic conditions, partial lane closures were not considered safe or practical. A full road closure was planned from the outset to create safe working conditions for operatives, road users, and the public.

About Trees Ltd. coordinated the required highways permits, diversion routes, advance warning signage, and full traffic management arrangements to ensure compliance throughout the project.

Specialist Access and MEWP Operations

Given the location of the trees and the need to work safely above the carriageway, a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) was used to complete the crown lifting works.

This provided safe and controlled access to the upper canopy while reducing the risks associated with climbing above live roadside environments. A qualified IPAF operator managed the MEWP, ensuring full compliance with Working at Height Regulations and safe operation throughout the project.

Using a MEWP improved efficiency, increased safety, and allowed precise pruning works to be completed within restricted roadside conditions.

Traffic Management and Public Safety

Traffic management formed a major part of this project.

The narrow country road and 60mph speed limit made a full road closure essential rather than partial traffic control. A detailed traffic management plan was implemented, including diversion routes, advance warning signage, and site-specific safety measures to protect both operatives and the public.

Clear communication with local residents and road users helped minimise disruption while ensuring the works could be completed safely and efficiently.

This structured approach allowed high-risk roadside tree works to be delivered without compromising public safety.

Project Outcome

The project was successfully completed, achieving the required KCC Highways clearance standards while preserving the health and appearance of the trees.

The use of a MEWP, combined with full traffic management planning and road closure management, allowed the works to be delivered safely and efficiently despite restricted access and challenging roadside conditions.

This case study demonstrates About Trees Ltd.’s ability to deliver professional roadside tree management for leading estate management companies such as Savills, combining arboricultural expertise with compliance, safety planning, and specialist traffic management solutions.

To learn more about our roadside tree management and commercial arboricultural services in Kent, get in touch with About Trees Ltd.