Many gardens, other than the very smallest urban 'handkerchiefs', have at least one tree. That may be a small fruit tree or several large ornamental trees. Gardeners often tend to overlook the care of their trees and just leave them to grow without intervention. Then, when it is too late and the tree has become diseased, dangerous or has died, the emergency services of a tree surgeon are required. It is much better for a gardener to look after trees in the first place. Pruning trees is the main form of maintenance. Strictly speaking, pruning refers to the removal of living parts of the tree rather than to the removal of the dead and dying bits. Pruning a tree badly can be done by anyone; however, pruning it properly requires the expertise of a tree surgeon. An arboriculture expert can carry out a check of the tree in order to determine if there are any potential problems brewing. There are other considerations that need to be taken into account before commencing with tree pruning. Firstly, you need to determine from the local planners to find out if there is a tree protection order on your tree or trees. Even pruning a tree with a preservation order can be a criminal offence. If you are in a Conservation Area, you will need to check in advance of any work to make sure that you are not contravening any regulations. Also, before commencing any work, the tree should be checked for nesting birds and hibernating or young bats. If either is present, work should be postponed and the services of an expert sought. Bats and nesting birds are protected by law. OK, so that is all sorted. Now, whether you are a DIY pruner or calling in an expert tree care company to do the work, it is useful to know the key types of pruning and when they are used. Crown Thinning This is the removal of smaller branches, often applied just to the outer portions of the crown of the tree. It needs to be done systematically in order to preserve the natural appearance of the tree and is done for a variety of reasons. It will let more light through the tree branches, to reduce wind resistance of exposed large trees and to reduce the weight of wood in an older tree in order to lessen the chances of a lower large branch breaking off. No more than 30% of the tree should be removed in this way. Crown Lifting This is really best left to a tree surgeon. It needs to be carried out carefully otherwise infection and decay can result. Large branches should NOT be removed, simply shortened in a way that will not allow fungi and other infections to enter. A minimum of 70% of the crown should remain after lifting. The main reasons for crown lifting are to enable better access under the tree and to let more light through to the ground below. Crown Reduction Again, this is really a specialist job as it needs to be done carefully in order to avoid damaging the tree. It is the equivalent of a 'light trim' at the hairdresser's. The cuts to the tree should be through branches as small as possible in order to achieve the correct result and importantly, to maintain the crown structure and the leaf bearing structure. It is a very different process to Thinning and is used where a tree is too large for its environment or where mechanical stresses need reducing to keep the tree in a safe state. The shape of the tree after Crown Reduction should be the same as before, it is not intended to re-shape the crown. Topping The indiscriminate removal of material from a tree by an uninformed amateur or disreputable tree surgeon. This process should NEVER be used. And finally... Deciding what and where to prune involves an understanding of basic tree biology, sharp tools, and An artful eye. Where you make the cut is as important as knowing what to remove. It really is best to leave it to trained experts otherwise you will at best, shorten the life of the tree or at worst, leave it in a vulnerable and dangerous condition. Are you looking for tree surgeons in London? Graftingardeners offers a comprehensive tree care service in SW London.
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