TREE PRUNING
REDUCING AND RESHAPING
I carry out all different types of tree pruning depending on the aim of the work which could be due to safety aspects of the tree including the safety of people and property, access or obstruction, light issues or the aesthetics of the tree, all pruning is carried out to British Standard BS3998 recommendations
Bellow is a brief description of the various types of pruning and their aims (in tree surgery we call the canopy of a tree the crown it is the part of the tree that carries the foliage)
FORMATIVE PRUNING
A way of creating a good shape to the tree when it is young to semi-mature it helps it to grow into a strong, safe, well shaped tree
CROWN THINNING
Selective removal of branches to reduce the density of the tree allowing more light through and reducing shade beneath the tree, it also allows wind to blow through the tree reducing wind damage
CROWN LIFTING
This involves removing the lowest branches of the tree increasing clearance between the ground and the lower branches this can create more access below, let more light under the tree or open up a view
CROWN REDUCTION AND RESHAPING
The crown of the tree is reduced bringing an overall shape and size to the tree either all over or in a certain part bringing the tree back into balance, it creates a desired appearance or makes it more suited to its surroundings if the tree has outgrown its space, it reduces the weight and sail area of the crown which is the part of the tree that catches the wind. Trees with a large crown can have heavy and possibly dangerous branches
POLLARDING
A type of pruning which involves the removal of the branches of a tree leaving the main stem or trunk it restricts and manages the size of the tree encouraging regrowth and vitality promoting a very dense head of foliage and branches
DEADWOOD REMOVAL
Any deadwood in the tree needs to be removed because if it falls it can cause injury and damage to property
TREE REMOVAL
FELLING AND SECTIONAL DISMANTALLING
If a tree needs to be removed there are two methods used, in open land the tree is cut off near the base and allowed to fall the tree is then cut up into sections on the ground for removal this is called felling
If the tree is in a limited space a technique called sectional dismantling is used where I climb into the tree and carefully take it down one piece at a time, ropes are used to lower the pieces to the ground to avoid damage this is called sectional dismantling
TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS (TPO)
A TPO is made by the Local Planning Authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodland.
It is a serious criminal offence to carry out work on these trees without permission although there are special conditions in place for dangerous or dead trees.
If work is required on a protected tree written approval seeking consent to carry out work on the protected tree/s must be sought from the Local Planning Authority it is usually free of charge.
It can take quite a few weeks for the application to be processed.
The tree owner can make the application themselves or I can make the application on their behalf at no extra cost.