Pruning & Crown Reduction

A crown reduction takes the whole canopy back to a smaller, balanced shape. It is the answer when a tree has outgrown its garden or is carrying too much wind load. A crown lift removes the lowest limbs to let light in and clear paths, drives and lawns. A crown thin keeps the tree at its current size but opens the canopy, so light filters through and gusts pass through the crown rather than pushing against it.

On the coast between Whitehaven and Millom, wind is usually the underlying problem, and a well-reduced or thinned crown carries considerably less sail. Inland, light and size are the more common concerns. At the free estimate Mitchell will advise which of these the tree actually needs.

Topping, cutting a crown flat, stresses the tree into producing weak, fast regrowth that becomes a bigger problem than the original within a few years. Pruning to BS3998, the British Standard for tree work, means cuts are made at the right points and never remove too much in one operation, so the tree stays healthy and the result lasts.

Fruit trees, formative pruning of young trees and the renovation of old, neglected trees are all covered.

Most pruning can be carried out year-round, although some species have better and worse seasons. Between February and August we check for active nests before starting work; disturbing nesting birds is illegal, and we plan around them where necessary.