Crown Reduction This is the process of removing the outer proportion of the crown thus reducing the overall size of the tree. This is expressed as a percentage, normally 20-30%
Crown Cleaning This is the removal of dead branches considered to be significant within the crown to prevent them falling or being blown out by the wind. This is an important procedure to carry out on trees that are overhanging public areas, as the dead material carries with it a risk of liability should it hit a member of the public or damage property. Other potential weaknesses such as crossing branches are also identified and removed to prevent future failure.
Crown Lifting This is the removal of the lower branches of the tree to either prevent them being a hazard to people walking in to them, or to allow more light to reach the ground underneath.
Crown Thinning This is the selective removal of internal branches to allow more light to penetrate the crown. This can be effective for getting more light into rooms or onto flower beds or lawns.
Pollarding This is the removal of the entire crown and is generally a last resort to felling the tree if for whatever reason the tree is unhealthy, but needs to remain. Pollards need regular maintenance once carried out as the new growth will be vigorous and unsound.
Coppicing This is a very old technique used in ancient timber production,. It involves cutting the tree virtually down to the ground and then allowing new shoots to grow back. It can often be effective at reforming shrubs and hedges that have grown out of control.
Removal This is the what is commonly known as felling, the tree is removed to ground level and the stump either poisoned or ground out with a machine. There are many ways of removing a tree from clear felling which is to apply a cut sequence to the bottom of the stem, right through to sectional dismantle using rigging where the entire tree is lowered in pieces to the ground in total control.
Hedge Reduction Dependent on species many hedges can be reduced and will in time sprout back to be maintained at a more manageable height.
Hedge Trimming This is where to top and sides of the are clipped to form a smooth formal appearance. We trim 50' hedges in the same way as we trim 5' ones.
Hedge Planting A well chosen and planted hedge can form a screen to protect from being overlooked from a pavement to a bus to a block of flats. They can also be used to good effect to separate areas within a garden such as the compost heap or a shed.
Tree Planting Many councils when dealing with conservation areas will upon the removal consent of a tree, apply a condition that you have to replant. The most important thing to consider when replanting a tree is the species of tree itself. A well chosen and planted specimen will provide a beautiful focal point to a garden with little or no maintenance needed for many years.
Fruit Tree Pruning Fruit trees can be pruned into formal shapes as visual amienity trees or can be pruned specifically for fruit production, vitality and ease of harvest.
Conifer hedge reduction
Crown Reduction on a Walnut Tree
Russel grinding out a Pine stump
Repollarding a Large Black Poplar