Tree Pruning

Tree Pruning

How do I know when my tree needs pruning? 

There are many reasons why your tree might need pruning, from simply reducing height to removing diseased branches. 

It’s best to keep tree growth in check by making sure your tree is pruned regularly.

When’s the best time of year to prune a tree? 

In general it’s best to prune deciduous trees when they’re dormant in the Winter, although many types of trees do best being pruned in late Summer when the tree will heal the quickest. The best time to prune really depends on the tree, and that’s something we can advise you on! 

How do you reduce tree size? 

There are several different ways to prune, which service you need is sometimes obvious, and sometimes not! If you need advice on the best pruning solution for your tree, get in touch, we’re happy to help! 

Types of Pruning

Crown Reduction (all over trim) 

For smaller trees an all over trim in Spring/Summer is the best way to keep on top of growth, especially in evergreens. 

Dormant Pruning 

Although pruning a tree can happen at most times of the year, pruning a tree in the Winter whilst dormant is a brilliant way of ensuring a balanced result – lack of foliage means that the aesthetic effect of removing each branch is more evident, and carefully considered. 

It’s also the perfect opportunity to remove any damaged or diseased wood. 

The result? a smaller, more attractive shape and a healthy, well maintained tree. 

Pollarding 

Pollarding is a form of pruning where the entire crown or head of the tree is removed in order to encourage new growth. 

Pollarding is usually then repeated on a regular basis to restrict the tree to your preferred size.

Crown Lifting 

Crown lifting is achieved by removing the lower branches of a tree to raise the crown. Crown lifting not only allows more light into your property, but also creates more clearance under the tree, as well as more usable space for maintenance and amenities.

Crown Thinning 

Crown thinning lets in more light by removing smaller, secondary branches. Crown thinning is a highly skilled service, it’s vital it’s undertaken carefully so the appearance of the tree isn’t spoilt. 

Formative Pruning

For younger specimens of tree, from one year old, this technique is used until the tree reaches about five years old. Formative pruning ensures the tree grows with a balanced branch structure, this minimises the possibility of structural defects and results in a stronger, healthy mature tree. 

Is your tree in need of pruning? Not sure exactly what needs to be done? Get in touch!

Our Arboricultural Association approved team can offer you expert advice and a completely free quotation.