Case Study: Tree and Grounds Maintenance Works for Massey Feeds

Client: Massey Feeds

Project Overview

In March 2026, Frodsham Tree Solutions was invited to survey and quote for a programme of tree and grounds maintenance works at the Massey Feeds site.

Following a detailed site inspection and proposal, we were awarded the commercial contract, with the works successfully completed over a six day period in May 2026.

The project involved a range of tree safety and vegetation management operations across the site, including works adjacent to the River Dane. The objective was to improve site safety, manage diseased and hazardous trees, maintain access routes, and enhance the overall appearance of the site while ensuring minimal disruption to day to day operations.

As a veteran led business, the project also provided valuable practical experience for members of our workforce transitioning from military service into civilian careers within arboriculture.

Supporting service leavers and veterans through training, employment, and career development forms a key part of our long term vision.

The Challenge – Identifying and Managing Site Risks

Following our initial site survey, several trees were identified as requiring urgent management. These included a condemned sycamore requiring an assisted fell, two ash trees affected by Ash Dieback Disease, and an existing fallen alder tree that required clearance.

In addition, a row of mature willow trees located alongside the River Dane required pollarding and management, whilst hedgerows throughout the site required reduction and maintenance.

The combination of riverside working conditions, large timber handling requirements, operational site constraints, and the need to maintain a safe working environment required detailed planning and careful execution.

Planning, Safety and Operational Control

Before commencing work, Frodsham Tree Solutions Ltd produced comprehensive Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) covering all aspects of the project.

These were supported by dynamic site specific risk assessments undertaken daily throughout the works to ensure changing site conditions, weather, access requirements, and operational activities were continually monitored and managed.

Safety remained the primary consideration throughout the project, with all works undertaken by qualified arborists using industry recognised techniques and equipment.

Delivering The Solution

The scope of works included:

• Clearance and removal of an existing fallen alder tree.
• Assisted felling of a condemned sycamore tree.
• Dismantling and removal of two Ash Dieback affected ash trees.
• Pollarding of a row of willow trees adjacent to the River Dane.
• Clearance and tidying beneath the willow trees to improve access and site presentation.
• Hedge reductions and ongoing maintenance works throughout the site.

A key element of the project was the use of our Eder portable winch system. The winch proved invaluable during the assisted felling operation, particularly when combined with pulleys, multiple anchor points, and mechanical advantage systems. This allowed precise directional control and increased safety when carrying out the removal of the condemned sycamore.

To maximise productivity and minimise manual handling, we also deployed our Först TR8 woodchipper and Avant 760i loader.

The First TR8 efficiently processed significant volumes of brash and vegetation arisings generated throughout the project, helping maintain a safe and organised work site.

The Avant 760i proved essential for handling and transporting heavy timber sections across the site. Its lifting and carrying capability significantly reduced manual handling risks and enabled the efficient movement of timber from work areas to processing and storage locations.

The combination of skilled arborists, specialist machinery, and careful planning ensured the works were completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.