David Alexander Tree Care
Conquering the UK's Largest ARB Crane Job: My Role as The Leading Climbing Arborist






Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being at the forefront of what's being called the largest Arboricultural (ARB) crane job in UK history. It was an incredible undertaking, demanding precision, expertise, and a highly skilled team, I was immensely proud to serve as the leading climbing arborist for the entire operation.
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When Nathan from The Green Team Arb called me, I knew this wasn't going to be just another job. He brought me in specifically for my experience using cranes on many occasions and my climbing expertise, a testament to the 15+ years I've dedicated to mastering the art and science of Arboriculture. This project truly put those skills to the ultimate test.
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The sheer scale of it was breathtaking. We were dealing with the removal of two very large London Plane trees that were causing severe damage to the Charles Dickens museum. Unfortunately due to the damage they were causing to the foundations and structure of the museum, the trees had to be removed. The project was in Camden, London, and to tackle it, we brought in a colossal 450-tonne crane. this is due to the fact that the trees were 59m away from the crane and had to be lifted over 6 storied multi million pound historic London town houses. Just imagine the logistics involved: extensive planning, road closures, and meticulous coordination with a large team. Every single detail had to be perfect to ensure safety and efficiency.
My role as the lead climbing arborist was critical. It involved orchestrating the climbing operations, guiding the team, and executing the most complex cuts and rigging in conjunction with the immense power of the crane. It was an exhilarating challenge, requiring not only physical prowess but also a deep understanding of tree dynamics and advanced rigging techniques.
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This project, which has been documented by Aztech Group and Visual Climber, truly stands as a landmark in the UK's arboricultural industry. To have played such a central role, especially being recognized and called upon for my specialized climbing skills, is a highlight of my career.
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It's jobs like these that continually push the boundaries of what's possible in tree surgery and reinforce my passion for this demanding yet incredibly rewarding profession.