A tree crown reduction is when the size of the crown is reduced, by shortening and pruning branches. This is often done when the tree has failed a limb or a branch, or has outgrown its natural environment. No matter the reason, we’ll always aim to achieve the most natural and suitable shape for the tree and it's health.

Although this term has been removed from the BS3998 2010 Tree Work Recommendations documentation, it is still used. This is when dying, split or diseased branches are removed from the canopy, because the branches have cross-rubbed together - potentially causing pests or diseases. If there is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or the tree is in a Conservation Area, this service can only be done with consent or notice.

Also sometimes called ‘crown raising’, this is where the lower branches of the tree are removed, to create more light under the crown and to avoid interference with the environment below - such as pedestrian access, or obstruction to buildings. Where trees overhang pedestrian footpaths or roads, there is a legal requirement to maintain an overhead clearance of 2.1 metres and 5.2 metres.

Here is where we would selectively remove branches from the inner part of the tree’s crown, for instance, secondary branches. This also allows for more air circulation and dappled light.

There are a number of reasons why tree's contain deadwood. Some species such as pines and spruces will kill off the lower branches as they become surplus to requirement or get shaded out by the canopy above. Sometimes excessive deadwood within the crown of a tree or towards the ends of the branches can indicate that there are other issues relating to the tree's health.

Pollarding is a pruning process that involves removing secondary branches to avoid the tree outgrowing its natural environment. By leaving the larger limbs of the tree (or even just the main stem) trees and shrubs are able to be kept to a certain size and height. When done annually or every couple of years, this can allow for the tree to live a longer life. However, not all trees are suited to pollarding.

Whilst ivy and other climbing plants do make ‘unattractive walls’ much prettier, they often have a detrimental effect on trees, meaning that it is important to prune them back, or remove them. Ivy and other climbing plants can spread quickly, and can potentially damage masonry, window frames or even roof tiles. Ivy is a popular foliage for attracting wildlife, and can coexist with trees and buildings, however, it does need to be managed.

Formative pruning is usually performed on younger trees, to help them develop into a strong, well-shaped tree. Many trees are able to form into a natural shape on their own, however, some need a little assistance in order to grow with a strong trunk, a balanced crown structure, and no major structural defects. This can also be applied to some extent on older trees, and careful, selective pruning can help prolong the lifespan of your tree.

It is important to thin and reduce fruit trees in the early spring or mid-summer, to increase the tree’s longevity, and avoid damage or infection - especially from silver leaf (a fungal disease that will eventually kill the branches). When pruning fruit trees, we would always leave a minimum of two auxiliary buds, to allow space and encourage fruiting

This is a pruning technique that involves the gentle reduction of lateral branches on a tree. By reducing your tree's spread through selective branch removal, you are maintaining its good health, natural form and structural integrity.

A Tree Preservation Order ‘TPO’ is given to certain trees in England by the local planning authorities, in order to protect them from being damaged, moved, topped or taken down. As it is a criminal offence to alter a tree marked with a TPO, you will need to gain authority from the planning authority according to the location of the tree beforehand. It is also important to bear in mind that your application could take up to two months, so allowing enough time to apply before the work needs to be undertaken is key.

When trimming or reducing overgrown hedges, we ensure that the annual regrowth is trimmed off, to maintain a formal shape and desirable height. To keep a beautiful manicured look, we recommend a biannual trim to maintain your hedges. Our expert team at Arbor Bear have in-depth knowledge around the precise trimming and pruning techniques needed to make your shrubs and hedges flourish - using everything from rope & harnesses, secateurs, telescopic pruning equipment and cherry pickers for the tallest of hedges (MEWPS). So whether it's a small beech hedge that needs a tidy or a giant row of Leylandii conifers you need reducing, we’re here to help. We offer a full range of services including Reducing In Height, Trimming, Removals and Replanting.