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Some basic Reasons for undertaking the Work
Branches may cause obstructions to footpaths, driveways, etc.
Larger branches or tight leaf patterns may block streetlights or road signs.
Recommendation by Arborist (Tree Surgeon) after a survey.
Danger of Subsidence damage to property.
So What Can Be Done:
| These are some of the approved techniques as described in the British Standard: "Recommendations for Tree Work (BS3998)". This will help you decide what might be the most appropriate for your tree and will enable you to use the correct terms to describe your intended works. A combination of these techniques may be used or other methods not specified here. We will discuss the work with you before we start. | |
Your Tree Before Trimming  |
Your Tree After Trimming  |
| Crown Lifting
This is carried out to increase the clearance between the ground level and the lower branches either to allow access below the tree, to clear sight lines, improve views or allow light to penetrate to the ground. |
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Before Crown Lifting & Thinning
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After Crown Lifting & Thinning
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| Crown Thinning
This is done to allow more light through to the crown without altering the overall shape and size of the tree. Crossing or rubbing branches are removed together with diseased wood. The tree is then pruned to reduce the crown density whilst retaining a natural shape. |
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| Crown Reduction
This is a more extensive and severe form of pruning and is used to: 1. Reduce the weight of potentially dangerous limbs. 2. Balance a misshapen tree, for example, following storm damage, or after bad pruning. 3. Prevent trees obstructing or damaging buildings and property. 4. Prevent trees from interfering with overhead telephone and power lines. |
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| Branch Removal
Pruning as indicated above may not always be necessary or desirable and inspection may reveal that only one or two branches require pruning. |
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| Tree Lopping Tree Lopping involves the cutting back of all branches of the tree without any regard for the trees health, or for the future safety of the tree or its owner (or their property). After lopping, the tree adds new growth quickly in an attempt to recover from the shock of losing its entire photosynthetic area.
If a tradesperson offers to ‘lop’ your trees for you, or if you see an ‘arborist’ offering ‘tree-lopping’ services, they are NOT arborists, and if you value your trees, you should ask if there are alternatives to this procedure. |
Bad Practice ??
If a tree has to be reduced by such an amount then perhaps complete removal should be considered unless an architectural feature is the desired result. Trees can recover from this type of work but the new growth is usually weaker. |
The Epicormic growth shown in this photograph, may well be hidden by leaf cover in the summer but disease can still penetrate the cut stumps at the base of the new growth weakening the tree further. The trees remain ungainly, if not more architectural rather than natural. However, in certain circumstances this method may be the only viable option, each case is different. |
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Last updated: July 20, 2011
These new
branches are very poorly attached to the tree, and highly likely to snap as
soon as they achieve any substantial size. This hazardous situation is
further compounded by the potential for decay to enter the tree via the
large wounds left by the lopping, this further weakens branches and
increases the potential for failure. 