About Trees Ltd. provides professional tree management services across Kent, supporting estates, landowners, and commercial clients with safe, compliant arboricultural works. This case study highlights our approach to managing ash dieback on a mature tree in Kent, including careful planning, precision dismantling, and collaboration on a high-profile installation.

Client: Turner Contemporary
Location: Lees Court, Kent
Project Duration: 13 Months of Planning and Execution

Project Overview:

About Trees Ltd. supported Turner Contemporary with the removal of a mature ash tree affected by ash dieback as part of Anya Gallaccio’s preserve exhibition in Kent.

The project required careful planning and coordination to ensure the tree was safely removed while preserving its structure for artistic use. The works formed part of a wider collaboration, contributing to a high-profile installation exploring environmental themes.

Site Selection and Planning:

The process began with identifying a suitable tree that met both the structural and aesthetic requirements of the project.

Several locations were assessed, including sites at Quex Park and Belmont House and Gardens. A mature ash tree at Lees Court was ultimately selected due to its size, condition, and suitability for the exhibition.

Planning took place over several months to ensure all aspects of the work aligned with both the artist’s vision and the practical requirements of the project.

Specialist Tree Removal:

The removal of the tree required a controlled and methodical approach.

Works were carried out using specialist equipment, including a telehandler and elevated work platforms, allowing safe access to all sections of the tree. Each section was carefully dismantled and lowered to the ground to preserve its natural form.

This approach ensured the material remained suitable for use within the preserve exhibition while maintaining high safety standards throughout.

Collaboration and Project Delivery:

A key aspect of the project was the close collaboration between About Trees Ltd., Turner Contemporary, and artist Anya Gallaccio.

Each stage of the dismantling process was carefully managed to ensure the final outcome aligned with the artistic intent, while maintaining strict safety standards.

Following the removal, About Trees Ltd. also supported the installation phase of the exhibition. A team member attended on-site to assist with handling and positioning the material, ensuring continuity between the tree works and the final installation.

This collaborative approach allowed the project to be delivered efficiently and to a high standard.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Ash dieback had significantly compromised the structural integrity of the tree, making safety a priority throughout the project.

All works were carried out in line with best arboricultural practices, ensuring risks were minimised. Materials were handled carefully to avoid unnecessary waste, supporting the environmental themes of the exhibition.

Project Outcome:

The project was successfully completed, with the tree safely removed and prepared for installation within Anya Gallaccio’s preserve exhibition.

This case study demonstrates About Trees Ltd.’s ability to deliver complex arboricultural works, including ash dieback management, while supporting creative and high-profile projects through careful planning, collaboration, and ongoing involvement.

To learn more about our ash dieback and specialist arboricultural services in Kent, get in touch with About Trees Ltd.