Tree Pruning

Tree Pruning or Tree Lopping is the process of removing parts of the tree that are above the ground, and that are unwanted. They may have disease, are part of overgrowth, or you may decide to prune the tree to give it a particular shape (Anthropomorphic pruning).

General pruning can cover all types such as; Rose bushes, shrubs, hedges, and fruit trees, as well as amenity trees.

Depending on the size of the tree, will determine the expertise required to do the Tree Pruning. If a shrub requires a trim back then that can be done by the average gardener, where as a tree that is 50m tall may require a branch to be removed, so this will require much greater knowledge of the pruning process and the dangers involved. There are many businesses that provide this type of tree Pruning or Tree removal service, and they have specialized equipment such as climbing ropes and harnesses, or cherry pickers that can be used to get to the correct height and secure the branches to be removed.

If removing a tree, it may also be necessary to get the tree stump ground out or killed with chemicals in order to allow it to rot out. Some tree stumps are difficult to pull out due to the extensive root systems and sheer weight and size of the stump.

Using a Professional Arboring business will help prevent any other damage to houses or neighboring property. Remove branches that overhang Decking or Awnings to prevent damage if they are suceptible to falling.

There are many techniques that can be used depending on the reason for pruning the tree. To remove limbs / branches that are dead are called 'Dead Wooding' and are common where the trees can cause a hazard to people or property. The limbs can take several years to die back and fall off naturally, so a professional Tree Pruner would be employed to remove these limbs.

Canopy thinning is used to reduce the wind load on the trees that have a dense canopy, and prevent them from being uprooted in strong winds.

Crown Canopy Lifting is done by removing the lower branches of the tree to give access for pedestrians or vehicles along the side of a road.

Other types of pruning include;

Crown reduction - reduce the height of the tree

Vista pruning - creating a window in the tree

Formative pruning - to make the tree structurally sound

Pollarding - general pruning done to promote new growth

It is common to include a Tree Pruning budget in a Landscape Design, as removing trees or Pruning them back can be costly.

Arboring or Tree Pruning can be done on small branches at any time of the year, whereas larger branches should be removed in the trees dormant period to prevent any damage from frosts to other weather conditions. The type of tree will depend on the best time to Prune, so check with your local garden centre or Arborist for advice.