Urban Forestry

Pruning

Pruning in various forms is frequently carried out to trees of all ages. Tree pruning is rarely a standard cyclical requirement, rather it should be carried out on the basis of need identified by a qualified and ethical arborist. In order to fulfil a clients needs and expectation consultation between the arborist and client is essential.

Commonly Performed Pruning Operations

1. Crown cleaning - removal of dead, dying and deleterious material, usually but not always including climbing plants
2. Crown reduction - involves reduction of height and spread, pruning cuts made to a subordinate branch in order to retain aesthetic value of the tree
3. Crown thinning - reduction of crown density by removal of small diameter material evenly throughout the canopy, this operation leaves the overall size and spread unchanged or minimally so, and permits increased light penetration.
4. Crown lifting - usually carried out in order to increase clearance of ground or structures such as houses, walls or signs, or sometimes to improve vehicular sight lines.
5. Formative pruning - necessary on young trees to prevent the development of future defects.
6. Cable/Rod bracing - these are support techniques usually carried out in conjunction with specialised pruning works.
7. Fruit Tree pruning - a highly specialised form of pruning intended to increase flower and therefore fruit production, much more difficult than is commonly supposed.

Pruning should only be carried out by qualified arborists as it is often of an irrevocable nature.

Felling

In certain circumstances tree removal may be required, this may be due to death or hazardous nature of the tree. Implication of a tree in building subsidence may also be a valid reason for removal. Due to the urban location of many trees sectional dismantling is often the preferred or indeed may be the only option for tree removal. In this procedure rigging techniques are often employed in order to avoid damage to surrounding structures.

Following tree felling the remaining stump can be mechanically ground out in order to facilitate ground re-instatement.

Planting

Replacement planting is often a requirement under statutory tree protection legislation. At Urban Forestry we are happy to quote for the supply and installation of new trees, and, if appropriate to advise on species and site selection.