Tree Surgery

Removal of all or some of the branches from the lower part of the tree so as to increase the clearance above ground level. This is generally to facilitate access to the area beneath the tree or to allow more light to penetrate.

This involves cutting back the outer part of the crown in order to control height and spread. As a general rule, crown reductions should not exceed 30% but this is obviously subject to a great many variables. To undertake a good crown reduction is a highly skilled and time consuming operation due to the climber having to get out to the extremity of each branch in order to reduce it back to a suitable pruning point.

This is achieved by selective removal of secondary and tertiary branches within the canopy of the tree. It is usually carried out for the health of the tree and will have little impact on the overall size and shape.

This the removal of the leading shoots of young trees, causing the development of numerous small branches near the positions of cutting. New branches should be removed on a periodic basis (3 – 5 years) in order that the size of the crown remains restricted. Generally mature trees that have not been managed as pollards are not suitable due to the large pruning wounds that will result, however in some cases such drastic pruning measures may be unavoidable. Lapsed pollards (trees that have not been re-cut for a long period) can represent a significant hazard and re-cutting may be necessary to make safe. This in itself can lead to decay due to the size of the cuts and the poor resistance of the old wood to microbial infection.

Property owners have a duty of care to persons and property, and therefore it often decided to ‘play it safe’ by removing any tree that could potentially cause harm. However, this should be considered as a last resort and avoided if at all possible. A tree that may warrant such attention is one that poses an unacceptable risk to people and property.

When a tree is surrounded by obstacles, it may be necessary to climb and dismantle it in small parts which can be rigged out if necessary, this is known as ‘sectional felling’. Alternatively, where space permits a tree may be felled from ground level with or without a winch to assist the fell.

A Stump Grinder is a machine that has a toothed cutting wheel that cuts / grinds through the wood, removing the stump to the required depth, most machines do not exceed a depth of 10” below ground level, which is usually sufficient to remove the whole of the stump. The stump is reduced to sawdust and shavings which can remain on the ground as natural mulch. The hole left by the stump grinding will be back filled with the ‘grindings’, but should be left to settle.

The usual reason for stump removal is to facilitate building / landscaping work and also to remove any trip hazards. Stumps may also need removing in order to create space for replanting and in some circumstances retained stumps, may harbour disease. That said, if a stump can be left, it will form a valuable insect habitat over the many years it will take to decay.

Without regular pruning fruit trees will become straggly and less productive. Cutting back branches in the dormant season (winter) will concentrate sap flow in the spring into fewer buds resulting in strong growth. Mature, unmanaged trees will benefit from having overcrowded branches removed and heavier pruning carried out in winter. Summer pruning limits vigour which in turn promotes flower and fruit formation.

We undertake regular trimming on all types of hedge in order to keep them ‘neat and tidy’. Please be aware that your hedges are an attractive place for birds to nest and cutting during the nesting season should be avoided if possible. We have responsibilities under law not to disturb nesting birds and we will always undertake a visual inspection prior to commencing work.

When a hedge has become too large it may be necessary to reduce the height and spread significantly. This will only be effective on certain species of hedge and the above comments about nesting birds apply. It is not usually possible to reduce the width of a conifer hedge without exposing the deadwood resulting in an unsightly brown face which will not recover.

In some cases it may be necessary to remove an over large hedge completely and re-plant with a suitable species.

Properties within a Conservation Areas (CA) or an individual tree which are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) will require permission to carry out work, subject to a few exceptions. Landkind can take care of all planning requirements as part of our comprehensive service.

For a nominal fee we can also complete and submit the Tree Works Application Form (TWA) to the relevant Local Planning Authority (LPA).

 Many of our customers like material up to 6” diameter chipped and removed from site and material in excess of 6” diameter processing / sawn in to 10” lengths for their log burner and / or friend, family member. This saves the customer money as well as the environmental benefits of not hauling heavy waste for disposal off site.

In some cases the resulting wood chip can also be left for the customers own use or spread beneath retained trees if space permits.

Landkind is a registered waste carrier and all the green waste removed from site is disposed of at registered green waste facilities.