Innovative Solution to Overgrown Foliage
Speak to our experts about your next project
Our commitment is to provide high-quality Vegetation Management services to clients in the Rail, Road, Construction, and Utilities sectors. An innovative service we offer is Aerial Saw Operations, which is fully evaluated and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Proven Safety Record
Aerial saw operations have traditionally been considered more dangerous; they are, in fact, very safe and offer significant cost savings when used in other countries. The aerial saw is used extensively worldwide, particularly throughout the USA, Scandinavia, and Europe. We are the first established operation in the UK; we can assure you that the whole operation is risk assessed to the satisfaction of the Civil Aviation Authority, which issues specific approvals for any work. They monitor and audit all operations, ensuring the highest levels of safety.
Alternative to Ground Operations
Aerial saw crews only use small, trained teams strictly controlled by Specialist Procedures and Operations (Part SPO) within a UK CAA-approved Safety Management System. This eliminates the risk of Working at Height for individuals who would otherwise be tasked with climbing trees or working from elevated platforms.
A Cost-Effective Solution
Overseas utility and train companies have reported significant cost savings per mile when using the helicopter and aerial saw compared to ground-based crews. Scheduling aerial saw operations during blockades can be done with complete flexibility. Removing the overhanging foliage provides cost savings by reducing the risk of train damage.
Potential Time Savings
On average, the aerial saw can trim between 1 and 3 miles daily, whereas a ground-based crew would take about a week to complete the same amount of work that could be achieved with the aerial saw in one hour of flying. Additionally, aerial sawing teams can move the helicopter to a safe distance from the track within an agreed safe time margin before a train passes through. The helicopter can return to the site within minutes after safe train passage, reducing the need for full blockades.
No Terrain Limitations
The aerial saw can be flown into remote locations that are difficult and time-consuming to access using traditional ground-based methods.
Operational Efficiency
Transportation of staff and equipment, including setup, typically accounts for more than 90% of the work time, with less than 10% spent physically cutting the foliage. Using the aerial saw could mean the crew spends more than 70% of their time on-site cutting back foliage, leading to significant time and cost savings.
Reduces Environmental Impact
The aerial saw can access rugged terrain, wetlands, and other sensitive areas without causing harmful environmental damage. Roads are protected from damage that could result from frequent trips made by heavy equipment during the work schedule.
Vegetation Management Strategy
In conclusion, introducing aerial saw operations to your vegetation management strategy can help to mitigate the risks and costs associated with overgrown foliage on the UK infrastructure. We believe this innovative service is a ‘game-changer’ and look forward to discussing it with you further.
Ryan Spence
Head of Services
Frequently Asked Questions
An aerial saw is a type of saw that is flown through the air, usually by a helicopter, to trim trees in remote locations when they overgrow power lines, pipelines, or other infrastructure.
The aerial saw is suspended from a helicopter and flown alongside potentially troublesome tree branches. The saw is turned on and precisely piloted, normally making more than one pass by the branches to ensure adequate coverage. The branches are then picked up by a ground crew and disposed of properly.
Yes, an aerial saw can be used alongside a road or railway, as it is designed to trim trees near power lines, pipelines, or other infrastructure.
The aerial saw is only used by highly-trained crews who are familiar with using a saw of its construction and size, and they apply very strict protocols and precautions are in place to ensure safety. To use an aerial saw in a designated area, a safety buffer must be in place prior to work, and the operation must be monitored and certified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for each business to use. The required certification and insurance coverage are earned only through safe operation of the aerial saw.
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We are dedicated to delivering high-quality Vegetation Management services to our clients in the Rail, Road, Construction, and Utilities sectors. Our mission is to provide comprehensive and efficient solutions that enhance site functionality and safety while minimising disruptions to daily operations.
Tailored solutions for all clients
Our team of experts has built strong working relationships with our clients, ensuring that we understand their unique requirements and can deliver the best possible outcomes. We offer a complete turn-key solution, including fully qualified chainsaw operatives, climbers, plant operatives, and rope access technicians, providing a seamless and hassle-free service.
Meeting specific client needs
Vegetation management is crucial for many clients, including local governments, rail, light rail, civils/construction, and domestic and commercial clients. Whether it is a small or large-scale project, we have the skills and resources to ensure that vegetation management is carried out safely, efficiently, and effectively. Our extensive experience in arboriculture and vegetation management, combined with our knowledge of the latest technologies and techniques, enables us to tailor our services to meet each client’s needs.
Minimising impact on daily operations
We understand that our clients need to maintain daily operations while carrying out vegetation management, which is why we are committed to minimising the impact of our services. We work closely with our clients to ensure we can deliver solutions that improve site safety and functionality while minimising disruption to day-to-day operations.
So, whether you require our services on a contract or project basis, you can be confident that RSS Infrastructure will provide you with high-quality and cost-effective Vegetation Management solutions that meet your unique requirements. Contact us today to discuss your needs and learn more about how we can help you.
Contact Vegetation Management Division
For reliable project delivery, contact us today at 0330 113 0004. Led by Ryan Spence, our experienced team of Vegetation Management experts are ready to assist.
Speak to our experts about your next project
Vegetation Management Services
RSSI personnel will cut or thin the lowest branches as part of our crown lifting service to lift the crown’s base. This method assures safe access levels, increases site levels, and creates clear sight lines for vehicles (clearance level of 5.2 metres).
Crown reduction is a more aggressive pruning approach to reduce the total height and spread of the canopy, hence reducing the weight of potentially hazardous branches. This approach balances a crooked tree or trees that may hinder buildings, structures, sightlines, or overhead lines. We can also utilise this process to improve the tree’s ornamental structure. To avoid shocking the tree, our arborists typically operate to a 10%, 20%, or 30% specification.
Invasive species control and management refer to strategies used to prevent, manage, and eradicate non-native species introduced to new ecosystems that can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Invasive species control is essential for maintaining ecosystems’ health and safety and preventing infrastructure damage. This approach can involve physical removal, chemical treatment, and biological control. Effective management requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation to changing conditions.
Rope access enables our arborists to work safely in difficult-to-reach areas without scaffolding or elevated mobile platforms. This cost-effective approach eliminates the need for specialised equipment and provides clients with a more inexpensive option, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Each team
member holds a minimum of ICI, PTS, IRATA, LANTRA, or NPTC certifications to ensure that any solution given is consistent with the rules and regulations that govern the UK’s infrastructure.
Large tree removal refers to cutting down and removing trees too large or dangerous to be safely managed or preserved in a given location. In the context of road, rail, and utility infrastructure, large tree removal may be necessary to clear a path for new construction or to remove trees that pose a risk to public safety by potentially falling onto the infrastructure or interfering with power lines. Large tree removal is a complex process requiring specialised equipment, techniques, and expertise to be carried out safely and efficiently, as it involves using chainsaws, rigging systems, and heavy machinery.
Vegetation removal can include cutting, clearing, or trimming plants/trees in a given area. This is often necessary for road, rail, and utility infrastructure construction or to reduce public safety risks (e.g. interfering with power lines, obstructing visibility, creating fire hazards). It may be done manually or with specialised equipment depending on the size and density of vegetation. This activity can have environmental/ecological impacts which must be considered and managed.
Our extensive experience in arboriculture and vegetation management, combined with our knowledge of different pesticide application methods, enables us to provide effective and sustainable solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients in the infrastructure sector. Various pesticide application methods are available, including knapsack spraying, spot spraying, and eco-plugging. We can assist clients in determining which strategy is best for each project.
Pollarding is an excellent strategy to keep trees manageable for their surroundings. This procedure is used to prune trees in limited spaces on trees like Ash, Lime, Elm, Elder, Eucalyptus, London Plane, and Oak that can withstand the shock. After a tree has been pollarded, we must maintain it regularly to avoid future problems. Pollarded trees can live considerably longer and develop slower than maiden (non-pollarded) trees.
Sapling supply and planting refers to sourcing and planting young trees, or saplings, in a specific location. The process involves selecting appropriate species, preparing the planting site, and ensuring proper planting techniques to promote tree health and growth. On infrastructure projects, sapling supply and planting may be necessary for reforestation, erosion control, or landscaping.
Site clearance works refer to clearing a site of any existing vegetation, debris, or other obstacles in preparation for new construction or development. In the infrastructure sector, site clearance works may be necessary to prepare the area for new infrastructure, such as roads, railways, or power lines.
Station, depot, and car park vegetation clearance and control refers to managing vegetation growth in and around these areas. On infrastructure projects, vegetation control in these areas may be necessary to ensure safety, prevent damage to infrastructure, and maintain a clean and attractive appearance.
Structural vegetation clearance refers to managing vegetation growth that may pose a risk to infrastructure, such as power lines or buildings. The process involves removing or pruning vegetation to minimise the risk of damage to the infrastructure while preserving the health of the vegetation as much as possible.
Tree disassembly is a process of removing an entire tree to its ground level. This is used for dead, diseased, dangerous or problematic trees. A climber will use a rigging system to safely and steadily disassemble the tree and drop branches in confined settings when straight felling is impossible. A mobile elevated work platform may also be used to access the crown of trees posing safety risks.
Tree Felling refers to the complete removal of a tree to the ground level, which is typically done on dangerous, sick, or problematic trees. To fell the tree in a safe and controlled manner, our crews use a range of industry-approved methods. Most trees felled are in open regions with hardly any risk of causing damage to the surrounding area. We can utilise various crash matting techniques to protect the underlying surface when a tree’s large or heavy main trunk is to be fallen.
Tree maintenance refers to caring for trees to maintain their health, safety, and appearance. Maintenance can involve pruning, fertilising, watering, and other techniques to promote healthy growth and prevent damage to infrastructure in the infrastructure sector.
Tree management plans refer to a comprehensive document that outlines strategies and protocols for the care and management of trees in a specific area. On infrastructure projects, tree management plans may be necessary to ensure that trees are cared for consistently and effectively and that their growth and maintenance will not interfere with the function of the infrastructure.
Tree surveys assess trees’ health, condition, and location in a specific area. In the infrastructure sector, tree surveys may be necessary to identify potential risks or hazards trees pose to the infrastructure and to plan for their care and management.
Vegetation control and management refer to managing the growth and health of vegetation in a specific area. Depending on the vegetation type and the management plan’s goals, strategies may include physical removal, chemical treatment, or biological control. On infrastructure projects, vegetation control and management may be necessary to ensure safety, prevent damage to infrastructure, and maintain a clean and attractive appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
At RSS Infrastructure, we strongly emphasise safety, which is supported by a robust safety culture embedded in every aspect of our work. This culture includes professional team training, advanced equipment, and precise processes. We’re also deeply committed to sustainability, using battery-powered equipment whenever possible to reduce emissions and noise pollution.
Our arborist team comprises highly trained professionals with certifications from reputable organisations like NPTC and LANTRA. All team members hold valid PTS certification, and our managers are experienced, practising arborists with deep industry knowledge. We’re also proud members of the Arboricultural Association, reflecting our high standards of expertise and professionalism. Additionally, we’re affiliated with FISA, the Forestry Industry Safety Accord, reinforcing our dedication to top-tier safety and risk management practices.
No, we take pride in employing a directly hired workforce. This approach gives us greater control over quality and safety, delivering superior client results. We also own and maintain all our equipment, ensuring safety and reliability on every project.
Absolutely. Our team includes Rope Access-trained arborists fully qualified to tackle complex tasks in demanding environments. With certifications from respected organisations like IRATA, they can work safely and efficiently at heights or in difficult-to-access areas, such as cliff faces, while achieving excellent outcomes.
We have an established track record of securing and maintaining numerous significant contracts. Some of our notable projects include the Network Rail Vegetation Management Framework for North and South Wales, the TfW Core Valley Lines Vegetation Management Framework, and the TfW Core Valley Lines Vegetation Clearance Framework. These contracts underscore our capability to deliver high-quality services and meet diverse client needs.
Innovation is central to RSS Infrastructure’s work. We constantly explore new technologies and methods to enhance our services. One example is our Aerial Saw Operations, which are currently under review for approval by Network Rail. This innovative solution uses a helicopter-mounted saw, allowing us to safely and efficiently remove branches and trees in challenging areas without requiring access roads or heavy ground machinery.
Yes, sustainability is a core value at RSS Infrastructure. We’re dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint and frequently use battery-powered equipment to minimise emissions and noise pollution, especially during late-night work to be mindful of nearby residents. This approach enables us to deliver high-quality arboriculture services while prioritising environmentally responsible practices.
You can contact our team of experts through several channels:
Phone: 0330 113 0004
Email: info@rssinfrastructure.com
By Post: RSS Infrastructure Ltd, Tech Block, Gee Business Centre, Holborn Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands B7 5JR
Projects
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This project undertaken for Skanska involved the clearance of a substantial area of vegetation on their site to make way for constructing a new railway bridge.
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Graham Talbot, Head of Vegetation Management, needed extra support on a Vegetation Management framework (De-veg) for a project in various locations in Wales.
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