Pruning overview

Tree pruning covers a wide range of maintenance operations. Treecare Tree Surgeons offer the full spectrum of pruning operations and friendly advice.

Pruning operations we can provide

Crown thinning
To reduce the foliage and outer-branch density of the tree
Crown reduction
An overall reduction of the size of the tree’s crown
Crown lifting
The lower branches of the crown are removed so the bottom of the crown is higher
Coppicing
Tree stems are pruned close to ground level to encourage new shoots
Pollarding
Regularly pruning back the whole tree’s crown
Branch removal
Removal of one or more branches
Shaping
Reducing the crown’s spread in certain places to achieve a more attractive overall shape
Dead wooding/crown cleaning
The removal of dead wood and crossing or split branches

Pruning guidelines

As a general rule, pruning should be avoided during the time of leaf or needle production and at the time of leaf or needle fall.

Trees related to cherry and plum are best pruned soon after flowering to reduce the chance of infection.

Maple, beech, birch and walnut should be pruned while in leaf or just after leaf fall.

Magnolia is best pruned in high summer to avoid unsightly sap “bleed”.