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Tree Pruning for Healthier Trees
The main motive for tree pruning is to remove dead branches, leaves or flowers while also stimulating new growth for stronger branches and more fruit bearing. By reducing branches, you are opening the canopy to more light and air, which improves circulation and growth.
When trees are pruned to maintain their size and shape, their growth can be controlled. Hedges for example, require regular care to maintain the shape and size of borders. Hedge trimming keeps hedges healthy and at an appropriate height so that enough light can reach your property.
Tree Pruning for Safer Space
A well-pruned tree is a healthy tree, meaning fewer hazardous, weak branches could fall in storms. If you notice splitting branches, decaying or pests, this may be a sign to get your tree assessed sooner rather than later.
Tree Pruning Methods
Tree Crowning
Crowning is a method of reducing branches and foliage on trees to maintain height, shape and the appearance of a landscape.
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning involves the selective removal of smaller, secondary branches, typically from the outer canopy, to create an even density of foliage and a well-spaced branch structure.
Branches are removed systematically throughout the canopy.
Crown thinning is commonly done to allow more light to filter through the tree, reduce wind resistance, and lighten the tree's overall weight. It's often an ongoing process, especially for tree species that produce a lot of epicormic growth.
Crown Lift or Crown Raising
Crown lifting involves the removal of the lowest branches or the preparation of lower branches for future removal. Best practices suggest avoiding the removal of large branches directly from the trunk, as this can create large wounds that may lead to decay.
Crown lifting is an effective way to increase light to areas beneath the tree or provide access below the canopy. However, it should be limited to no more than 15% of the live crown height, ensuring that at least two-thirds of the tree's total height remains covered by the crown.
Crown Reduction
Crown reductions involve reducing the height and/or spread of a tree's canopy. This technique can be used to lessen mechanical stress on specific branches or the entire tree, make the tree better suited to its environment, or reduce shading and light loss.
The goal of crown reduction is to maintain the tree's main structure and preserve a significant portion of the leaf-bearing branches, resulting in a smaller but similar outline. Achieving perfect symmetry is not always necessary.
Pollarding
Tree pollarding is a specialised pruning technique that involves removing the upper branches of a tree to promote a dense head of new growth. This method is often used for certain species in urban areas where it's necessary to control the size and shape of a tree from a young age. By repeatedly cutting branches back to the same points, known as "pollard heads," the tree develops a unique, maintained structure. This process encourages the growth of dense, healthy shoots and is typically performed during the dormant season to minimise stress on the tree.
Why Choose Us for Tree Pruning Services?
- Experienced and Qualified: Our team consists of skilled and certified arborists with extensive knowledge of hedge pruning techniques.
- Local Expertise: We understand the specific needs of many types of trees and hedges, ensuring the best possible care for your plants.
- Professional Equipment: We use top-of-the-line, well-maintained equipment for efficient and precise pruning.
- Safety First: We prioritise safety throughout the process, protecting your property and our team members.
- Clean Up: We leave your garden tidy, removing all hedge trimmings and debris.
- Free Quotes: We offer free, no-obligation quotes to discuss your hedge pruning requirements.
FAQs on Tree Pruning
The best time to prune trees depends on the species and the reason for pruning. Some trees can be pruned in late winter or early spring, while others are best pruned in late summer or early fall.
It is best to cut back your dead branches to the main trunk of the shrub, or just after where new life is sprouting. As long as the main trunk is still alive, new branches will be encouraged to grow back.
Pruning should be avoided after spring due to the tree working overtime to produce food for new shoots and leaves. When a tree is pruned during this time, it is under pressure to heal these fresh wounds.
Apple trees should be pruned between November and March while still cold and dormant. In the spring, they will be ready to start new growth.
Get in touch with our Chas-accredited tree surgeons today for a free quote!
Our services are tailored towards homeowners & commercial landscapes / public sector companies, offering a range of tree and hedge services, including but not limited to:
- Tree Cutting
- Tree Removal
- Hedge Trimming
- Dead Wooding
- Tree Pruning
- Stump Grinding
- Emergency Tree Services
Areas We Cover Include: Belbroughton, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Kidderminster, Kingswinford, Bromsgrove, Harborne, Hagley, and other areas across The West Midlands
Working Hours: Monday-Saturday 6am-6pm
