Crown reduction and thinning
One of the recommendations Tendring Tree Surgery may make is a crown reduction on your tree. This is a pruning technique used to make the tree smaller, pruning back branches to reduce the overall height and spread of the tree's crown. It is a specialist technique that should only be carried out by a qualified tree surgeon.
Crown thinning is selectively removing branches throughout the crown without changing the overall shape or size of the tree.
What is a crown reduction and why would it be needed?
A crown reduction is a type of tree pruning to remove branches from the tree in order to reduce the size or spread of a tree, whilst maintaining the main framework of the tree’s crown.
Crown reduction can be carried out to:
Improve light levels
Large branches can block light from windows and shade gardens. Removing selected branches can help let more natural light through the tree's canopy.
Improved safety
Large, heavy branches are more likely to break off in storms, especially if they're diseased or weak. Crown reductions can help reduce the weight on these branches, making the tree less likely to become a hazard during heavy winds.
Protect property
Large branches can scrape against buildings or power lines. Reduction creates clearance and prevents damage to your property or electrical issues.
Maintain the tree's health
As well as removing dead or diseased branches, a reduction can also help to increase air circulation and light penetration within the canopy, which can benefit the tree's health.
Example of a crown reduction completed by Tendring Tree Surgery
At Tendring Tree Surgery, we carry out our crown reductions to the British Standard 3998:2010. This standard provides guidance on the best practices for tree work.
By ensuring the work to your tree is carried out by qualified tree surgeons like us at Tendring Tree Surgery, who have been trained to follow the best practices for tree work, the tree is less likely to be damaged during the reduction process and is more likely to recover quickly.
We offer free, no obligation consultations and quotes!
What happens if a tree is not reduced properly?
If a tree is not reduced properly to British Standards, it can have a number of negative consequences. These include:
The tree may be weakened and more susceptible to disease and pests. This is because improper reduction can damage the tree's bark and cambium, which are the layers of tissue that are responsible for transporting water and nutrients throughout the tree.
The tree may become unbalanced and more likely to fall over. This is because improper reduction can remove too much weight from one side of the tree, or it can create weak points in the tree's structure. This can pose a danger to property and people.
The tree's appearance may be spoiled. Improper reduction can leave the tree with unsightly scars and stubs.
The tree can put out reaction growth; a stress response. This can result in future work needing to be carried out at shorter intervals.
A crown reduction is a complex process, and it is important to have it carried out by a qualified and experienced arborist.
Oak tree reduction in Lexden, Colchester, Essex
The photos below show a before and after of an oak tree that has had reduction and thinning work carried out in Lexden, Colchester.
This has made the tree a more manageable size, improve light levels whilst maintaining a natural shape using pruning methods that minimise the stress on the tree and promote healthy regrowth.
