PRUNING AND THINNING
Formative Pruning and Thinning
Formative or “corrective” pruning is carried out on a young tree to improve its long term form. This includes the elimination of dead, diseased and damaged material first and then removing any structural flaws which could cause a weakness in the tree in the future.
Fruit Tree Pruning
Fruit trees are pruned to control growth, remove dead or diseased wood and to encourage the formation of flowers and fruit buds, leading to a heavier crop. Pruning of fruit trees is best carried out mid to late winter. A new fruit tree should be pruned and trained early to ensure their productivity and longevity and to prevent later injury from weak limb structure.
SHAPING
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is a method of reducing the overall size and height of the tree by removing the ends of branches evenly throughout the crown leaving a balanced shape. The size of the crown can normally be reduced by a specified percentage, depending on the size and species of the tree. This technique is used to reduce wind resistance and water uptake, allow more light through, and to control the size of a tree in a restricted environment.
TRIMMING
Trimming can be carried out to reduce the size and height of the tree and shrub, depending on the species. We can give advice on how this can be done to maintain the shape and quality of the tree or shrub. Trees and shrubs can also be trimmed to allow more light and air through the branches, or when shading is becoming a problem. Large trees can be carefully trimmed to clear the vegetation away from power lines and other structures, and also when a tree has sustained wind or snow damage.
TREE REMOVAL
Where space is limited and a tree cannot be safely felled in one piece, tree removal involves the careful dismantling of the tree. If necessary, branches can be carefully lowered using ropes and pulleys to avoid damage to vegetation and structures underneath. Large trees need the main stem to be removed in sections. Where space allows, a tree may be felled in a single section using various techniques to control the direction of fall.
OTHER SEVICES
Chipping
Wood chip is produced when debris and smaller branches are passed through the wood chipper. Wood chip can be left on site or taken away. Woodchip, once rotted down, is perfect as a garden mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, or as an addition to the compost heap.
Fire Wood
Wood may be left on site or removed if required. Wood to be left on site is cut into rounds suitable for firewood.
Stump Grinding
During normal tree removal the main stump of the tree will be cut off as close as possible to ground level. The stump can then be ground out with a specialised stump grinder to approximately 200mm below ground level. This results in a soil/ woodchip mixture which is useful as a garden mulch or compost material.
