This is a technique used to remove heavy congestion of shoots within a tree. Crown thinning also allows more light to pass through a tree and reduces wind resistance, making the tree stronger in adverse weather conditions. Crown thinning should only be done by qualified professionals with the necessary knowledge. We have seen many examples of over zealous Crown Thinning where home owners and lesser skilled tradesman have been carried away with their enthusiasm and removed more than is necessary, resulting in an unsightly shape and look of the tree.

When done correctly, Crown thinning also reduces the weight of each limb and makes the tree healthier and stronger. Crown Thinning has some similarities to the technique of Dead Wooding and often the two pruning techniques are carried out hand in hand.

Tree Crown Thinning Service

We have much experience in the Crown Thinning of a variety of tree species and with the use of different techniques and equipment. These individual techniques may be specified by a Local Authority if you live in a conservation area or your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

If you would like us to provide you with a quotation and advise you on our recommendations, please do get in touch.

Dead Wooding is where branches or limbs die off within a tree and can either break off or become vulnerable. These limbs can then fall over time or during periods of high winds and storms. If dead limbs are left, they will affect the overall health of the tree as rot can set in and spread to healthy areas. This can eventually lead to fungus issues and further damage, rendering the tree beyond help.

Dead wooding is mainly used for safety and for the continued health of a tree, though there are other benefits too. A lot of dead wood in a tree reduces it’s aesthetic appearance and this in turn reduces the amount of light that can pass through and makes the tree more susceptible to high winds.

Dead Wooding Service

If dead wooding is left unattended, it attracts pests and diseases. The removal of dead wood reduces the weight of a tree and so reduces the risk of limbs breaking off. Dead Wooding is often carried out hand in hand with Crown Thinning.

We are often contracted in by Local Education Authorities to work within School Grounds. Schools are required to upkeep their trees with dead wooding and maintenance to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents caused by falling branches. We have the necessary Insurance in place to work within such environments.

Stump Grinding is often the last stage of permanent tree removal. After trees have been felled, you will have been left with an unsightly, ground level stump. If this is not an issue for you, it can be left in the ground but may cause problems in the future. These problems include the likes of root diseases and fungi such as honey fungus. Suckering can also occur and is when new shoots grow from the stump if it’s still alive.

Stump Grinding can be done at any time of year. Smaller stumps can be removed by hand, though the majority will require the use of specialist equipment. We have invested in a variety of Stump Grinding Machines to enable us to tackle each task on it’s individual merits. This allows us to take into consideration the surrounding area and access requirements. For some properties where side or rear access is an issue, we have a Stump Grinder that can be taken through most homes.

Stump Grinding and Stump Removal Service

We are happy to come and inspect any stumps that you wish to have removed and provide you with the necessary advise. We will also be able to ascertain the suitability of the equipment needed to carry out any such works and decide upon access suitability.

Stump Grinding removes the upper section of the root ball, taking it sufficiently below ground level to allow for the reinstatement of lawns etc. The residue from the grind is a sawdust like mulch which naturally beaks down, adding nutrition back into the soil.

Traditionally, Pollarding was used to harvest the wood for fuel, posts, fencing etc.. and new shoots were used as fodder for livestock. Nowadays, Pollarding is done to maintain the health of a tree and reduce a range of possible risks.

Pollarding is generally the removal of all smaller branches and shoots. The remaining larger limbs are often seen with a knuckle like finish. This technique keeps trees healthy and prevents them from growing out of control, maintaining balance. Pollarding can be carried out annually depending on species, but is more often performed at multiple year intervals. Frequent pollarding will also slow down root growth and can prevent sub level damage.

Pollarding is often essential to bring a tree back to a healthy state and reduce excessive weight and vulnerability to high winds. Trees in London Streets can often be seen in a pollarded state preventing them from affecting Telephone Lines and other such infrastructures like Street Lighting. The best time to pollard a tree is from late winter to early spring, though if required, pollarding can be done throughout the year.

Common trees that can be Pollarded include: Willow, Ash, Common Lime, London Plane Eucalyptus, Poplar and some Oaks.

As qualified Trees surgeons, we have been carrying out tree felling in Hertfordshire and North London for many years. Felling Trees safely requires us to survey the site and establish the best method to fell the tree and avoid damage to the surrounding areas. We are happy to offer our Tree Felling site surveys for free to all our customers, along with any appropriate advice.

Tree Felling may be required if a Tree is diseased or has been damaged beyond help by a storm or other such force. If a tree has suffered from storm damage and the damage cannot be saved by using other pruning techniques, then the tree will have to be felled using the correct skills and equipment. If a tree is hung up or has fallen but is caught on a surrounding tree, then this is a safety issue and it needs to be felled.

It may be necessary to fell a tree for other reasons such as the damage it’s causing to surrounding property or other environmental situations. If a tree is too close to a house or other building, then the roots become an issue with the foundations, and often subsidence occurs.

Subsidence can also be traced to the over consumption of moisture from clay soils by tall trees. Willows are often seen as the biggest culprit and if not located at least 40 metres from your property, can cause shrinkage and consequently subsidence. Other trees like Poplars, Oaks and Horse Chestnuts can also be a problem if located too close to property. Smaller varieties like Magnolias and Yew trees are more easily tolerated in smaller gardens. Tree Felling may not be required in all circumstances, but careful reduction and pruning will be of great benefit.

Other reasons to remove a tree completely by felling are if the tree is Dead, Dangerous or Diseased.

Complete Tree Felling Service

Some trees are protected by TPO’s – Tree Preservation Orders. If you live in a conservation area or the tree has a TPO, then you will have to apply for permission from the local authority to remove the tree and sometimes you can offer to replace the tree with a more suitable tree for that location. We are happy to explain this process and make any applications on your behalf.

Traditionally – the Felling of Trees was to provide a source of timber to build houses, the construction of fences, outhouses and barns etc and also as a fuel in the form of logs for heating and cooking.

For more information on the complete range of services we provide and to arrange a site visit at your convenience for a quotation, please use any of the means listed below. We aim to respond to all emails within 24 hours.

The Tree Feller (Arboriculture) Ltd

You can call us on:

T: 01707 65 68 65
M: 07974 812 326

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