What we do

General Tree Surgery : Tree Pruning

 




Pruning
Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Landscape tree's require a higher level of care to maintain their safety and aesthetics. Pruning should be done with an understanding of how the tree responds to each cut. Improper pruning can cause damage that will last for the life of the tree, or worse, shorten the tree's life.

Crown Lifting
Crown lifting is the selective removal of the lower branches of a trees crown to increase the distance between the base of the canopy and ground level. This type of pruning should, if possible, be carried out before a tree reaches maturity in order to avoid large wounds. This allows more light through and can prevent obstruction.

Crown Reduction
Crown reduction reduces a certain percentage of the overall height and size of the tree by removing the ends of branches evenly throughout the crown, leaving a balanced and maintained shape. It is normally specified in percentage terms that the crown is to be reduced by. This technique is used for many reasons such as to reduce wind resistance, water up-take, to control the size of a tree in a restricted environment or to allow more light through.
Crown Cleaning/Deadwood Pruning
Deadwood Pruning is the removal from the tree of dead, dying or broken branches and diseased branch wood. This can be significant for the health of a tree and important in public areas or close to highways etc. from the viewpoint of safety liability. However, where only limited public access occurs, wildlife may utilise deadwood for habitat and a food source.

Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is the selective removal of internal branches evenly throughout the tree to reduce the density of the crown. However, it does not change the overall size or shape of the tree. Crown thinning is generally confined to deciduous broadleaf trees. Crown thinning is designed to reduce damage that could result from crown resistance to strong winds. It may be carried out to admit more air and light into and through the canopy. Crown thinning opens the foliage of a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and helps retain the tree's natural shape. The volume of the branches to be removed will normally be expressed as a percentage of the crown.

Formative and Cultural Pruning (fruit trees)
Livewire Utilities Ltd carry out many small tasks such as formative and cultural pruning of young trees to encourage good early crown formation. The removal of crossing and poorly developing branches will enhance the safety and long-term well-being of the subject tree. This is especially true for fruit trees in particular.