Tree Pruning Southampton Hampshire

DGS Trees provides a host of tree and hedge maintenance services throughout Southampton and the Hampshire region.

Over the years we have talked with thousands of customers regarding tree management techniques and services available. There are some common miths and misunderstandings regarding trees and specifically pruning and maintenance services. One of the most reoccuring questions is:

"My trees need pruning and attention to bring them into good order"

The simplest and clearest answer is:

"Rarley does a tree EVER need pruning to benefit the tree and tree alone"

This statement is more often correct than not, a scenario where this may not be true, "If a tree failed and part of the tree, the whole top for example was only slightly attached and hanging, waiting to tear down the trunk and cause more damage" Clearly in this type of scenario some pruning works to prevent more extensive damage would benefit the tree, however most works only ever benefit humans.

Lets consider some of the reasons why we might prune a tree:

To generate more sun light into an area
To remove risk to human activity or property
Branches too low causing nuisance issues
Staining on vehicles or property from feeding aphids (Honeydew)
Fear of size
Dominating tree to large for space/location
To encourage more abundant fruit crop
To encourage a certain shape or astheticaly pleasing appearance
Disease
Growing too close to a property
Subsidence issues (see our article on subsidence) Link to article
etc, etc, etc

There are numerous reasons why we might prune a tree and in the example list above, however none of the reasons stated benefit the tree and all benefit humans!

Tree pruning trees causes damage or wounding to a tree every time we prune the tree. As professional arborists we attempt to prune the tree using methods that have been developed following research into tree wounding and response capablities of the tree. Dr Alex Shigo spent many years researching trees response to wounding and is responsible for much of the standards in tree pruning adopted and taught throughout the world at colleges and training venues.

Follow this link to view his work Link to Web Page

Alex shigo picture:

TREE PRUNING TECHNIQUES AND OR METHODS.............

1. Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is the removal of a portion of smaller/tertiary branches, usually at the outer crown, to produce a uniform density of foliage around an evenly spaced branch structure. It is usually confined to broad-leaved species. Crown thinning does not alter the overall size or shape of the tree. Material should be removed systematically throughout the tree, should not exceed the stated percentage and not more than 30% overall. Common reasons for crown thinning are to allow more light to pass through the tree, reduce wind resistance, reduce weight (but this does not necessarily reduce leverage on the structure) and is rarely a once only operation particularly on species that are known to produce large amounts of epicormic growth.
2. Crown Lifting (or Crown Raising)
Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches and/or preparing of lower branches for future removal. Good practice dictates crown lifting should not normally include the removal of large branches growing directly from the trunk as this can cause large wounds which can become extensively decayed leading to further long term problems or more short term biomechanical instability. Crown lifting on older, mature trees should be avoided or restricted to secondary branches or shortening of primary branches rather than the whole removal wherever possible. Crown lifting is an effective method of increasing light transmission to areas closer to the tree or to enable access under the crown but should be restricted to less than 15% of the live crown height and leave the crown at least two thirds of the total height of the tree. Crown lifting should be specified with reference to a fixed point, e.g. ‘crown lift to give 5.5m clearance above ground level’.
3. Crown Reduction
The reduction in height and/or spread of the crown (the foliage bearing portions) of a trees. Crown reduction may be used to activate mechanical stress on individual branches or the whole tree, make the tree more suited to its immediate environment or to reduce the effects of shading and light loss, etc. The final result should retain the main framework of the crown, and so a significant proportion of the leaf bearing structure, and leave a similar, although smaller outline, and not necessarily achieve symmetry for its own sake. Crown reduction cuts should be as small as possible and in general not exceed 100mm diameter unless there is an over-riding need to do so. Reductions should be specified by actual measurements, where possible, and reflect the finished result, but may also refer to lengths of parts to be removed to aid clarity, e.g. ‘crown reduce in height by 2.0m and lateral spread by 1.0m, all round, to finished crown dimensions of 18m in height by 11m in spread (all measurements approximate.)’. Not all species are suitable for this treatment and crown reduction should not be confused with ‘topping’, an indiscriminate and harmful treatment.

Other useful terms associated with tree work

Adaptive growth
An increase in wood production in localised areas in response to a decrease in wood strength or external loading to maintain an even distribution of forces across the structure.

Adentitious/epicormic growth

New growth arising from dormant or new buds directly from main branches/stems or trunks.

Bracing

Bracing is a term used to describe the installation of cables, ropes and/or belts to reduce the probability of failure of one or more parts of the tree structure due to weakened elements under excessive movement.

Branch bark ridge and collar

See diagram 3 section 3. Natural features of a fork or union that may or may not be visually obvious. Neither the branch bark ridge nor collar should be cut.

Callus

Undifferentiated tissue initiated as a result of wounding and which become specialised tissues of the repair over time.

Cavity

A void within the solid structure of the tree, normally associated with decay or deterioration of the woody tissues. May be dry or hold water, if the latter it should not be drained. Only soft decomposing tissue should be removed if necessary to access the extent. No attempt should be made to cut or expose living tissue.

Co-dominant stems

Two or more, generally upright, stems of roughly equal size and vigour competing with each other for dominance. Where these arise from a common union the structural integrity of that union should be assessed.

Conservation Area

All vegetation with a diameter at breast at greater than 75mm is protected and requires a application to the local council for consideration of your proposals

Coppicing

The cutting down of a tree within 300mm (12in) of the ground at regular intervals, traditionally applied to certain species such as Hazel and Sweet Chestnut to provide stakes etc.

Crown

The foliage bearing section of the tree formed by its branches and not including any clear stem/trunk.

Deadwood

Non-living branches or stems due to natural ageing or external influences. Deadwood provides essential habitats and its management should aim to leave as much as possible, shortening or removing only those that pose a risk. Durability and retention or deadwood will vary by tree species.

Decline

When a tree exhibits signs of a lack of vitality such as reduced leaf size, colour or density.

Dieback

Tips of branches exhibit no signs of life due to age or external influences. Decline may progress, stabilise or reverse as the tree adapts to its new situation.

Dormant

The inactive condition of a tree, usually during the coldest months of the year when there is little or no growth and leaves of deciduous trees have been shed.

Drop Crotching

Shortening branches by pruning off the end back to a lateral branch which is at least 1/3 of the diameter of the removed branch.

Fertilising

The application of a substance usually to the tree’s rooting area (and occasionally to the tree) to promote tree growth or reverse or reduce decline. This was only be effective if nutrient deficiency is confirmed. If decline is the result of other factors such as compaction, physical damage, toxins etc., the application of fertiliser will not make any difference.

Formative pruning

Minor pruning during the early years of a tree’s growth to establish the desired form and/or to correct defects or weaknesses that may affect structure in later life.

Fungi/Fruiting bodies

A memeber of the plant kingdom that may colonise living or dead tissues of a tree or form beneficial relationships with the roots. the fruiting body is the spore bearing, reproductive structure of that fungus. Removal of the fruiting body will not prevent further colonisation and will make diagniosis and prognosis harder to determine. Each colonisation must be considered in detail by a competent person to determine the long term implications of tree health and structure when considered alongside the tree sepcies, site usage etc.

Lopping and Topping

Generally regarded as outdated terminology but still part of Planning legislation. Lopping refers to the removal of large side branches (the making of vertical cuts) and topping refers to the removal of large portions of the crown of the tree (the making of horizontal cuts, generally through the main stems). Often used to describe crude, heavy-handed or inappropriate pruning.

Painting or Sealing

Covering pruning cuts or other wounds with a paint, often bitumen based. Research has demonstrated that this is not beneficial and may in fact be harmful. On no account should timber treatments be used as these are definitely harmful to living cells.

Pollard

The initial removal of the top of a young tree at a prescribed height to encourage multistem brancing from that point, traditionally for fodder, firewood or poles. Once started, it should be repeated on a cyclical basis always retaining the initial pollard point, or boiling as it becomes known.

Retrenchment pruning

A form of reduction intended to encourage development of lower shoots and emulate the natural process of tree aging.

Root pruning

The pruning back of root (similar to the pruning back of branches). This has the ability to affect tree stability so it is advisable to seek professional advice prior to attempting root pruning.

Topping

See Lopping and Topping.

Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

Trees that are proteceted under the "Town and Country Planing Act" and requires a application to the local council for consideration of your proposals

Vitality

The degree of physiological and biochemical processes (life functions) within an individual, group or population of trees.

The importance of the pruning cut

Every pruning cut inflicts a wound on the tree. The ability of a tree to withstand a wound and maintain healthy growth is greatly affected by the pruning cut – its size, angle and position relative to the retained parts of the tree. As a general rule branches should be removed at their point of attachment or shortened to a lateral which is at 1/3 of the diameter of the removed portion of the branch, and all cuts should be kept as small as possible. Examples of correct pruning cuts are shown as follows.

When to prune

As a general rule pruning should be avoided during the time of leaf/needle production (when the tree draws on its energy reserves) and at the time of leaf/needle fall (when the tree stores energy). Outside these periods most trees can be pruned at any time of the year, with a few exceptions:
Cherry, Plum and related trees (Prunus species) should be pruned soon after flowering to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
Maple, Birth, Beech and Walnut should be pruned in leaf or just after leaf fall and Magnolia in high summer to avoid bleeding’ (excluding sap), which, although not considered damaging, can be unsightly.
If possible, pruning should be avoided when recovery may be impaired, for example during a period of physiological stress following previous tree work or construction-related damage or seasonal weather factors such as drought.

Legal status

Some trees are protected by legislation, and it is essential that you establish the legal status of trees prior to carrying out works to them. Unauthorised work to protected trees could lead to prosecution, resulting in substantial fines and a criminal record.

	1. Crown Thinning Crown thinning is the removal of a portion of smaller/tertiary branches, usually at the outer crown, to produce a uniform density of foliage around an evenly spaced branch structure. It is usually confined to broad-leaved species. Crown thinning does not alter the overall size or shape of the tree. Material should be removed systematically throughout the tree, should not exceed the stated percentage and not more than 30% overall. Common reasons for crown thinning are to allow more light to pass through the tree, reduce wind resistance, reduce weight (but this does not necessarily reduce leverage on the structure) and is rarely a once only operation particularly on species that are known to produce large amounts of epicormic growth.
	2. Crown Lifting (or Crown Raising) Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches and/or preparing of lower branches for future removal. Good practice dictates crown lifting should not normally include the removal of large branches growing directly from the trunk as this can cause large wounds which can become extensively decayed leading to further long term problems or more short term biomechanical instability. Crown lifting on older, mature trees should be avoided or restricted to secondary branches or shortening of primary branches rather than the whole removal wherever possible. Crown lifting is an effective method of increasing light transmission to areas closer to the tree or to enable access under the crown but should be restricted to less than 15% of the live crown height and leave the crown at least two thirds of the total height of the tree. Crown lifting should be specified with reference to a fixed point, e.g. ‘crown lift to give 5.5m clearance above ground level’.
	3. Crown Reduction The reduction in height and/or spread of the crown (the foliage bearing portions) of a trees. Crown reduction may be used to activate mechanical stress on individual branches or the whole tree, make the tree more suited to its immediate environment or to reduce the effects of shading and light loss, etc. The final result should retain the main framework of the crown, and so a significant proportion of the leaf bearing structure, and leave a similar, although smaller outline, and not necessarily achieve symmetry for its own sake. Crown reduction cuts should be as small as possible and in general not exceed 100mm diameter unless there is an over-riding need to do so. Reductions should be specified by actual measurements, where possible, and reflect the finished result, but may also refer to lengths of parts to be removed to aid clarity, e.g. ‘crown reduce in height by 2.0m and lateral spread by 1.0m, all round, to finished crown dimensions of 18m in height by 11m in spread (all measurements approximate.)’. Not all species are suitable for this treatment and crown reduction should not be confused with ‘topping’, an indiscriminate and harmful treatment.

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