As professionals in the field of arboriculture in Catterick Garrison, the Tree Surgeon Pro tree surgeons use a wide variety of methods to improve tree health and ensure they don't present a risk.
This includes the practice of tree crown reduction in Catterick Garrison, commonly used in urban forestry management to reduce the overall size of very large trees.
If you're unfamiliar with this method and unsure whether it's the one you need, let's break it down to see what it involves and what the benefits are.
Essentially, crown reduction aims to alter the size of a tree's canopy while keeping the basic natural shape, just on a smaller scale. To do this, our experts carefully prune the outer branches to a specific size, thus reducing the tree's spread and height.
Starting at the top, they trim the uppermost branches of the canopy and work downwards, removing any dead branches as they go. The work stops once the team has trimmed the tree's first lateral growth.
The final result should be a smaller outline that essentially keeps the same shape.
Here's a simplified explanation of the process:
A qualified arborist/tree surgeon will perform a thorough examination of the tree to assess its condition, size (usually measured in metres) and health, and to identify the branches that need to be pruned.
All information will be recorded and documented for future reference, and the reduction will be specified in actual measurements or percentages, reflecting the finished result the tree surgeons are aiming for.
For example, they may suggest reducing the height by 25% or 1.5 metres and the lateral spread by 1 metre (measurements approximate).
Crown reduction cuts should always be selective and careful. Using specialist tools, the tree surgeons remove the outermost parts of the canopy, typically shortening individual branches to a healthy growth point (where smaller side branches are growing). This ensures the tree can heal efficiently.
Typically, crown reduction should not involve the removal of large branches sprouting from the main trunk, as this leaves wounds that can decay.
The Catterick Garrison team will make certain that they only remove selected branches, keeping a significant proportion of the leaf-bearing structure and as much of the main framework of the existing tree as possible.
It's important to recognise that - after public safety - the tree's health is the main consideration here. While every effort is made to keep the shape, the tree surgeons won't necessarily achieve symmetry for its own sake, as this is not a priority.
However, the tree will always look natural and healthy when our team has finished working.
It's imperative to use selective cuts and not prune too drastically, as this process can put the tree under enormous stress. This is why it's always necessary to use qualified arborists for this job, as they can achieve the correct balance, leaving the tree vigorous and resilient.
At Tree Surgeon Pro, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional tree care services tailored to your needs. With years of experience, certified expertise, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re your trusted partner for all things tree surgery.
This is a highly effective method for many overgrown trees when performed by trained, qualified professionals. When considering tree topping vs crown reduction, the latter offers several benefits.
Under the right conditions, crown reduction will:
No, crown reduction doesn't work on all tree species and can be disastrous for some.
This method generally works well for broadleaf deciduous trees, such as oak, beech, sycamore and maple; the same can't be said for most conifers. However, yew and cedar can usually handle this process fairly well.
Certain fast-growing species, like willow and poplar, will respond by pushing out epicormic shoots, possibly creating weak or unstable branches.
Finally, diseased or weakened trees often can't withstand the shock and stress of crown reduction cuts, so we would usually recommend other options, such as complete tree removal.
Please note that this takes skill, knowledge and precision and should be left to trained arborists. If you attempt crown reduction yourself, there's a real risk of harming the tree. Disease, decay and even death are a distinct possibility if the process isn't handled carefully.
Although there is no legal obligation to do so it's always wise to hire a professional tree surgeon to do this job. If you need advice about this subject or anything else to do with tree care, the Tree Surgeon Pro team is happy to oblige.
*If your garden is in a conservation area or the trees are covered by a TPO (Tree Protection Order) you may need permission to work on them.
It's similar, but not quite the same; where crown reduction shortens the outermost branches of the canopy for the reasons shown above, crown thinning is the selective removal of specific, smaller branches in the canopy. While it's undertaken for some of the same reasons, it achieves these objectives by making the canopy less dense.
Finally, we should mention crown lifting (or crown raising). Crown lifting is the removal of the very lowest branches and limbs, effectively lifting the height of the canopy.
We offer our professional arborist and tree surgery services to all, whether it's a local council, commercial enterprise, medical facility, education establishment or private individual.
Please feel free to contact our Catterick Garrison team for expert advice and to receive a no-obligation quote for your tree surgery project.
Whenever you need professional tree management services, Tree Surgeon Pro is ready to answer the call.
Crown reduction involves reducing the size of a tree’s canopy by cutting back branches to decrease height and spread. It is done to maintain tree health and reduce potential hazards.
Crown reduction costs vary depending on tree size, location, and the complexity of the job. On average, you can expect to pay between £150 to £500 for a crown reduction service.
Crown reduction can help control the size of a tree, improve its shape, and reduce the risk of branch failure. It also enhances the overall health and aesthetics of the tree.
Crown reduction is typically needed every 3-5 years, depending on tree growth. Regular maintenance ensures that your tree remains healthy and manageable.
No, crown reduction is not the same as tree topping. Topping removes large portions of the canopy, often damaging the tree, whereas crown reduction carefully reduces the size without compromising tree health.
Crown reduction helps maintain a tree’s health by preventing overcrowded branches, improving airflow, and allowing more light to reach the lower parts of the tree. It reduces the risk of disease and promotes strong growth.
