Tree Pruning & Tree Maintenance

A large number of trees are protected in the UK. Trees will need to be checked to see whether they are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or if the tree(s) lies within a Conservation Area by contacting your local authority prior to planning any work. Further information on protected trees can be found in the government publication ‘Protected Trees: a guide to tree preservation procedures’

Axcess Tree Services can assist with checks and applications before work begins.

Each tree will be individually considered in relation to the shape, size, character, condition, site and species of tree. All operations will be completed leaving each tree in an acceptable, well-balanced and safe condition.
Each branch will be removed using the ABC cut method where risk of tearing is reduced.

All final cuts will be made at the branch collar, with the branch collar remaining intact. Under no circumstances will any flush cuts be made. All cuts will be made to the standards set out in the guidelines BS3998 (1989).

Crown lifting is the removal of lower branches. Crown lifting is a skilled technique that is carried out to increase the clearance between the ground level and the lower branches either to allow access below the tree, to clear sight lines, improve views or allow light to penetrate to the ground, while retaining the natural shape of your tree.

The benefits are greater clearance below the tree for people, cars or access, an improved view that may have been blocked, as well as more light into your garden.

Crown reduction/pruning is most often used when a tree has grown too large for its permitted space. A crown reduction is a pruning technique that removes weight from the end of branches back to a healthy, growing lateral branch, which will form a new crown.

The most important aspect of Crown Reduction is to ensure that the amount that the tree is reduced by is relevant to the size of the original crown. This is where you cut the foliage from the outer edge into the crown, reducing the overall shape and size of the tree. Our tree surgeons will ensure that when they reduce the crown of a tree – it is always to appropriate growth points. It is our aim to keep the tree in as much of a ‘Natural’ form as possible.

Crown thinning is an intricate pruning technique primarily used on hardwood trees. Crown thinning is the selective removal of stems and secondary branches in such a way that it produces a balanced crown structure. The Thinning process is aimed to help increase light penetration and air movement throughout the crown of a tree.