Long lawn with sheds and a bare tree trunk at the far end after branches were cut — Bare trunk and cut brash at the far end of a long garden.

Climber roped high on a tall poplar tree above a green shed and wooden outbuilding — Climber high on a tall poplar with a rope running down to the ground.

Tall poplars rising behind garden fences and sheds with a climber near the top of one — Tall poplars seen over garden fences, with the climber near the top of one.

People standing on a lawn below tall poplars with a ladder leaning against the trunk — Ground crew on the lawn below the poplars, with a ladder against the trunk.

Tree cut back to a few short limbs standing next to a tall dark conifer hedge — Tree cut back to short limbs beside a tall conifer hedge.

This was a tree surgery job at the bottom of a long Sutton Coldfield garden, where a stand of tall poplars rose above sheds, fences and neighbouring roofs. The photos follow the work: a bare trunk left standing, a climber high on a poplar, people watching from the lawn, and a last shot of a tree already cut back to a short stem.

Working on tall trees in a garden

Poplars grow fast and tall, and with houses and outbuildings close by, they cannot simply be cut down in one piece. A climber works from the top, taking the tree apart in sections that are roped and lowered. Ground staff keep the lawn clear and deal with the cut material as it comes down. Ladders, ropes and a marked-off working area on the ground are all part of making a job like this safe.

What the photos show

The first photo shows work in progress at the end of the garden, with a bare trunk and cut brash piled near a green metal shed. In the next three, a climber can be seen on a trunk, and a ladder rests against another, with a small team working below. The final image shows a tree cut back to a few short limbs near tall conifers. If you have tall trees near buildings, ask early about access, and check whether they are protected.