Smart Tree Services Scotland heavy horse logging and more
Smart tree services specialises in difficult tree removal and using heavy horses for woodland and land management, using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. We excel in working on sensitive sites, nature reserves, parks or anywhere machinery is undesirable and a more sensitive approach is needed. We also carry out dry stone dyking and other ground works on agreement.
Why carry out tree work?
Using horses to extract logs was the main form of timber extraction in Scotland up until the late 1940's. Since then it has all but died out in favour of motorised equipment. Whilst large machinery is invaluable in the commercial foresting industry it is limited in it's ability to protect the woodland environment and eco-system. In recent years the British Horse Loggers have been committed to promoting Horse Logging as a low impact; environmentally sensitive method of extracting timber.
As a rule we work the horses in two-hour sessions. It is recommended that a horse works no more than a 6 hours a day. Humans of course work longer and continue to work while the horse(s) rest. A typical day will start on site by 9.00am and finish at 5.00pm. Usually the horse(s) will have three working blocks during each day:
Whether you require us to prune a tree, to combat disease, lift or lower it's crown, perhaps to increase volume of light, or to fell trees to facilitate a building project our highly qualified, & fully insured, staff will carry out a professional job with minimal disruption to you.
• Felling
• Pruning
• Crown Reduction & Lifting
• Stump Removal
• Site Clearance
• 24 7
STS Are able to respond quickly. Our preparations include a full site survey, production of risk assessments and of method statements, and a safety briefing for staff;
Our services include
• All timber extraction (first thinning through to final crop, firewood, coppice, wind blown)
• Felling and extraction
• Working alongside mechanical extraction methods e.g. snigging to trackside for further extraction
The Benefits of using a professional horse logger to extract timber are
• The low impact means Minimal ground disturbance
• Selective thinning is economical as no extra trees are cut down than needed
• Minimal noise
• Can easily access steep and enclosed areas
• Do not need big gateways and pathways for us to work
• Ideal for wet, steep, rough and small plantations
• Leaves no timber behind on the forest floor
• Minimal disturbance to wildlife
• No pollution of waterways
Very effective on sensitive sites:
• SSSIs
• Nature reserves
• Water courses
• Archaeological sites
• Public parks and pathways
• National parks
• Private estates