Tree Pruning

Tree Pruning

Below is a list of recognised tree pruning specifications.


Crown Reduction

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Crown reduction is the process of reducing the dimensions (height and radius) of the crown of a tree by a specified meterage. Depending upon the species of tree we can often remove up to 30% of the crown leaf area using pruning positions and cuts laid out in British Standard 3998.

The operation would be completed in such a way as to preserve or create a natural appearance to the tree whilst achieving the required size reduction.

Access to the crown is achieved using approved climbing and work positioning techniques or where there is access and a safety and efficiency gain can be achieved without compromising good arboricultural practice, a mobile elevating work platform may be used.


Crown Lift

Crown lifting is achieved by selectively removing branches from the lower canopy to ‘raise’ the crown to create clearance. This could be for mowing the lawn or removing lower branches over a driveway or road.

Local authority specifications are typically to create a 2.4m clearance for pedestrians or on main roads, a 5.5m clearance for busses.

Branches are always removed to the most appropriate pruning points as specified in British Standard 3998 so as to ensure that the tree continues to grow with good form.


Crown Thinning

Crown thinning is reducing the density of the crown by removing a specific percentage of the branches throughout the crown. Crown thinning shall be completed in line with the requirements of British Standard 3998.

Access to the crown shall be achieved using approved climbing and work positioning techniques as the use of a work platform does not usually allow sufficient access to the interior of the crown.

In order to create a ‘dappled shade’ effect our arborist will remove material from the crown in the following order; dead and dying branches, crossing and rubbing branches and then the removal of a proportion of secondary and small, live branch growth from throughout the crown to achieve the desired result.

Customers must be aware that crown thinning can stimulate many tree species to produce epicormic shoots and a dense crown, so it is crucial to ensure that the work is only undertaken by a highly qualified and experienced arborist.


Pollarding

Pollarding is often undertaken as a way of retaining potentially large trees in a smaller space. We see many examples of trees where the customer has been sold ‘pollarding’ as an excuse to quickly butcher the trees into a state that is very likely to result in decay, failing and falling branches and ultimately the death of the tree.

When imagining pollarding, think of the avenues of beautiful Plane trees in the South of France. Magnificent trees with very compact crowns that continue to live healthily for many years.

The idea is to prune all branches back to a framework and due to the correct pruning position, encourage rapid and dense re-growth which can be regularly trimmed using hand tools.

After a few pruning cycles, very attractive ‘pollard heads’ or ‘knuckles’ will form.

Customers must be aware that not all species and ages of trees are suitable for pollarding, it is a maintenance commitment and re-pollarding should be carried every 3 to 5 years. If undertaken well in the first place and regularly maintained, trees can be retained in a healthy condition and so continue to add value to the areas for many years to come. Our qualified arborists will be happy to advise on suitability of pollarding.

More Information

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