Crown Reduction
The reduction in both height and spread of the entire tree canopy or reduction of weight from individual “over loaded” branches. This style of pruning is typically employed to maintain a tree’s size to fit its surroundings or to reduce stress on weak branch unions.
The pruned tree should retain the framework branches and therefore the majority of foliage, leaving a tree of similar shape yet smaller in proportions. Not all species of tree are suitable for this type of pruning; advice should be taken from a tree surgeon.
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is removing rubbing branches, dead wood and a small percentage of smaller branches, usually pruning from the tips. This style of pruning should not vastly change the overall shape of the tree, leaving a canopy with even foliage.
This pruning practice reduces the tree’s wind resistance putting less strain on the tree and branch unions and also allows more light to shine through the canopy. Removal of dead branches also eliminates the risk of injury or damage cause by falling dead wood.
Pollarding
Pollarding is a pruning practice often used to maintain a mature tree in an urban environment. It involves hard pruning of branches to control size, while encouraging multiple young shoots to grow. Once begun, this pruning should be repeated again, each time keeping the initial pollard point.
It is an ideal pruning method for retaining a mature tree in confined urban surroundings. Pollards can significantly outlive maiden (untouched) trees due to being slower growing and having less force exerted on them by the elements.
Removal / Felling
There can be many reasons to remove a tree; usually when the tree is dead, dying or structurally compromised by disease, fungi, rot or storm damage. Or perhaps the tree was planted in the wrong place, without thought for future growth, and is now causing extensive shading.
Removal can be achieved in two ways: by a controlled straight fell, if space allows, or by dismantling piece by piece, within a small radius of the tree, to eliminate any possible damage to anything nearby.
When dismantling, tree climbers use ropes and harnesses to safely access the tree and may employ rigging techniques to lower the trunk and branches to the ground in a controlled manner.
Deadwooding & Limb Removal
Removing deadwood tree branches and twigs that have died but are still attached to the plant – are a natural part of a tree’s life cycle. While deadwood doesn’t always signify a tree health issue, but it can be a signal of problems and is certainly a safety concern in urban environments.
Most limb removal are usually done for the cosmetic of the tree but often some limbs can outgrow the tree, usually due to sunlight and can cause the limb to become heavy and likely to breakout.
