Crown Reduction
Crown Reduction is the overall reduction in the height and spread of a tree’s crown by pruning back limbs to a growing point. It is usually carried out over the entire main branch system, with selected laterals forming the outline of the new reduced crown shape.
Crown reduction is a severe form of pruning; its main uses are to:
- Decrease the weight of potentially dangerous limbs.
- Rebalance the shape of a tree when the original shape has been deformed caused by storm damage, uneven growth due to another tree growing in close proximity or simply after a bad pruning.
- Preventing branches interfering with overhead power lines or telephone lines.
- Preventing damage to property.
We will cut back the outer branches so that a layer of foliage is left forming the new canopy. Crown Reduction reduces the sail area of the tree and consequently minimises its impact in strong winds. Limbs are shorter and less likely to fracture when moving in strong winds or when the weight of the foliage and limb can no longer be supported and the limb fails, as can often happen in summer months when trees are in full leaf.
We can assist with applications to works on any trees that are in a conservation area or have a TPO on them through the e-planning.scot portal as part of our complete tree service provision.
Crown Lifting
Crown Lifting creates more clearance between the ground and the lower limbs; its main uses are to:
- Clear sight lines for traffic.
- Improve views.
- Allow vehicular or pedestrian access under the tree.
- Keep the branches away from buildings.
- Increase light to the ground underneath.
Crown lifting is best carried out in the late summer months when the tree is in full leaf and the limbs have dropped to their lowest level with the full weight of the foliage. The problem could then be at its worst and it is often easier to judge where to cut to create a new base to the tree’s crown. If large cuts need to be made on the main scaffold branches or the trunk, they then have time to start to heal before winter when the rate of healing is much slower. There is also less danger of bleeding at this time.
Crown Thinning
Crown Thinning is the process of removing select branches within the crown to reduce its fullness, usually by a specific percentage (10-50%).
Thinning creates a better balanced structure with even growth throughout the crown without reducing it by shape or size.
Benefits include allowing more light to flow through the tree and removing any additional weight or dead branches.
Deadwooding
Deadwooding is the removal of dead, dying, damaged or diseased branches found within the crown of the tree. Great care must be taken not to damage any healthy growth.
Deadwooding keeps trees safer, prevents further damage to the structure and returns the tree to a more attractive state.
Felling
We offer a full felling service to remove trees of any size or shape. Tree Felling is carried out when trees can be removed as a single unit and the risk of damage to people or property is low. Our fully trained arborists give advice on the options for our customers.
Section Felling
Sectional Felling/dismantling using work positioning techniques requires a trained and qualified Arborist using a harness and ropes to climb to the top of the tree to secure an anchor point, before then abseiling down to begin work from the lowest branch. With tree surgery tools such as a top handled chainsaw and hand saws, the climber will work their way up the tree removing sections using approved and current cutting methods.
In some situations, the use of a rigging kit will be required. This is installed on an anchor point within the tree that has enough strength to hold the weight of the pieces to be lowered. A rope will usually be placed in a pulley block to create less friction and wear on the equipment. Branches and timber will be attached using the end of the rigging rope and held by a competent person on the ground at the other end of the rope, generally with the aid of a tree surgery lowering device such as a block that is attached to the tree. The rope can be wrapped around to create friction, giving more control and maximising the safety of the ground staff. The pieces are then cut by the Arborist in the tree and lowered to the ground in a controlled manor by the ground staff.
Hedge Trimming
At GM Tree Services, we provide an extensive range of hedging services. Our services comprise of hedge cutting, hedge reduction and hedge removal.
Hedge trimming is essential in maintaining the health and shape of your hedges. A well kept hedge can give privacy, reduce noise and wind and is a haven for wildlife. A hedge also adds structure and shape to your garden. Let us keep your hedges in order.