Large Tree Course in Kent
Working with large trees demands a level of skill and confidence that goes well beyond standard chainsaw training. Whether you are dealing with mature oaks in residential gardens or towering conifers on commercial estates, the risks involved are significantly higher and the margin for error is much smaller. That is exactly why we developed our large tree course at the DTE Academy.
Our large tree course is designed for arborists and tree surgeons who want to build on their existing qualifications and develop the advanced techniques required to fell, section, and process large trees safely and efficiently. Delivered by commercially experienced professionals at our base in Kent, this course draws on over 40 years of hands-on expertise from Down To Earth Trees Ltd, one of the longest established arboricultural companies in the United Kingdom.
Why Train for Large Tree Work?
Large tree operations are among the most technically demanding tasks in arboriculture. Trees with significant trunk diameters, complex branch structures, or close proximity to buildings and infrastructure require careful planning, precise cuts, and a thorough understanding of how timber behaves under tension and compression. Without proper training, the consequences can be severe.
At the DTE Academy, we believe that every arborist working on large trees should have the knowledge and practical ability to manage these situations with total confidence. Our trainers work on large tree contracts every week through our parent company, so the techniques we teach are not theoretical. They are tested, refined, and proven on real job sites across Kent, London, and the South East.
Completing a large tree course also strengthens your professional profile considerably. Employers and clients want to know that the person operating a chainsaw near their property has been trained to handle the most challenging scenarios. This qualification sets you apart from other tree surgeons who may only hold basic certifications.
What You Will Learn on Our Large Tree Course
Our large tree course covers the full range of skills you need to work safely and professionally on trees that exceed standard felling parameters. Here is an overview of the key areas we focus on during the training:
Advanced Felling Techniques: You will learn how to plan and execute fells on trees with large diameters, including the use of wedges, back cuts, and assisted felling methods suited to complex site conditions.
Sectional Dismantling: For trees that cannot be straight-felled due to surrounding structures or access constraints, you will develop your ability to dismantle them in controlled sections from the canopy downward.
Risk Assessment and Site Planning: Every large tree operation begins with a thorough risk assessment. We teach you how to evaluate site hazards, identify escape routes, and produce a workable plan before any cuts are made.
Chainsaw Handling for Large Timber: Working with larger guide bars and more powerful saws requires a different approach. You will gain practical experience handling equipment suited to heavy-duty felling and processing work.
Timber Processing and Conversion: Once a tree is on the ground, the job is far from over. You will learn efficient methods for processing large volumes of timber, including cross-cutting under tension and managing heavy log movements safely.
All practical sessions take place on real trees in and around our Kent training grounds, giving you hands-on experience that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom environment.
The DTE Academy Difference
What sets our large tree course apart from other providers is the depth of commercial experience behind every session. The DTE Academy is the training division of Down To Earth Trees Ltd, and our instructors are not career trainers who left the field years ago. They are active, commercially operating arborists who bring real-world problem solving into every lesson.
We keep our class sizes small so that each student receives individual attention and ample time on the saw. Our selection process ensures that everyone on the course is prepared and motivated, which means you will be learning alongside like-minded professionals who take the work seriously.
As with all of our courses, we provide hot breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout each training day. We find that a well-fed and comfortable group learns better, communicates more openly, and gets the most out of every hour on site. It is a small detail, but it reflects the way we do things at DTE.
Book Your Place Today
If you are ready to take your tree surgery skills to the next level, our large tree course is the ideal next step. Whether you are an experienced arborist looking to upskill or an employer wanting your team to handle large tree contracts with confidence, we are here to help. Call us on 01959 524 623 or email enquiries@dtetrees.co.uk to find out more about upcoming dates and availability.