Tree Pruning

The majority of deciduous trees are best pruned when dormant, this is around late autumn or winter. It is not advisable to prune in late winter or early spring as many trees bleed sap at this time of year. Trees are less likely to close pruning wounds at this time of year leaving them prone to infection.

There are exceptions to the deciduous trees rule including maple, horse chestnut, birch, walnut and cherry trees which all bleed extensively even towards the end of their dormant season. These trees are best pruned in mid-summer after new growth has matured.

Fruit trees should be pruned when they are dormant in winter. Dead, dying and diseased branches and branches that cross over each other should be removed. Branches which grow into the centre of the tree, should also be removed as this prevents sunlight reaching in.

The following are a list of reasons why pruning works may need to be carried out:

• Trees may be in physical contact with buildings, fences and other infrastructure.
• Trees may be growing close to or across a neighbour’s boundary.
• Trees may have branches that obstruct or overhang the public highway or a public right of way.
• Trees may be causing a ‘legal’ nuisance to an adjoining property.
• Large trees in a small garden may prevent the reasonable enjoyment of the property.
• Trees may be obscuring sightlines, access, signage and streetlights.
• Young trees may require formative pruning to improve crown shape and branch structure.
• Removal of hazards such as dead or diseased material, broken branches and storm damage to make a tree safe, or to re-shape a tree and balance the crown.

Pruning should only be carried out if it is deemed necessary to do so, since any cutting can potentially weaken a tree and each pruning wound exposes vulnerable tissues, which may be invaded by wood decaying organisms. Generally most trees which need pruning will require one, or a combination of the following techniques. Pruning should aim to remove no more than 15-20% of the crown at any one time.

Crown Thinning

This is the removal of a small portion of the secondary and small live branches throughout the crown. Thinning should provide a uniform density of foliage around an evenly spaced branch structure and reduces the density of the crown without altering the shape and form of the tree.

Thinning allows more light to pass through the crown, reduces wind resistance and can lessen the weight of heavy branches. Crown thinning includes crown cleaning- the removal of dead, dying, diseased, crossing, crowded and weakly attached branches of low vigour.

Crown Lifting

This is the removal of the lowest branches and preparing of lower branches for future removal. Crown lifting should avoid creating large wounds on the main trunk of older trees as these may take many years to heal. To avoid lack of balance after crown lifting the crown should be at least 2/3 of the total height of the tree.

Useful for allowing more light into a property. Provides clearance above roads, footpaths and smaller outbuildings such as sheds and garages.

This is the reduction of the crown of a tree, or the tree itself, whilst maintaining its natural shape and form as far as is practicable. The ends of the branches should be removed back to a suitable growing point and the diameter of the remaining branch should be at least a 1/3 of the diameter of the branch which is being removed.

Ideal for preventing branches contacting buildings, roofs and gutters. Removal of branches obstructing street lighting, overhead cables, signs and other infrastructure.

Tree Removal 

There are a number of reasons as to why trees may have to be removed. Here are some of the common reasons that trees are removed:

Disease 

Tree disease can stem from a range of external causes, some living and some non living. Though disease is a common reason for tree removal trees with disease do not necessarily have to be removed. Accurate diagnosis is key to determining whether tree removal is necessary.

Death 

Trees, like us, have life cycles during which they grow, mature and eventually die. For some types of trees the expected life span is as little as 15-20 years, while others endure thousands of years. A tree may complete its life cycle and die, or it may encounter pre-mature death as a result of disease, fire, storm damage or other external influences. Dead trees will eventually deteriorate, and can present a hazard if they are not removed.

Threat to Property 

A tree’s vast network of roots often consumes a lot of underground space. If the tree is located nearby a house or other building, it’s root system can be a threat to the foundation of the structure. Roots may cause pressure that affect the building directly, or they can create unevenness in the soil’s moisture level that causes disproportionate settling of the foundation. Trees contributing to such problems may be removed to avoid structural damage to the building.

AJH Tree Services employ a number of varying techniques dependant on individual circumstances when dealing with tree removal. After a careful tree assessment is conducted the tree will be removed in the most suitable safest manner, ranging from a straight fell to a complex sectional dismantlement, utilising ropes, pulleys, rigging equipment and careful planning. Winches and other specialist equipment including cherry pickers are also employed as and when required.

Hedge Work

A well-maintained hedge provides a good, smart boundary to a garden, but if left unchecked, a hedge can soon lose its shape and end up casting unwanted shade. With a good pruning schedule you can keep hedges under control without too much effort.

Most evergreen formal hedges like to be trimmed two or three times a year, while they’re actively growing. Conifer hedges such as leylandii need regular pruning or these fast-growers will soon outgrow their location.

Pruning informal hedges depends on when they flower. Lavender, fuchsia, roses and other plants that flower on the current year’s wood are best pruned in early to mid-spring, while those that flower on old wood, such as forsythia, deutzia and berberis, should be pruned when the blooms fade.

Let AJH Tree Services take care of your hedge trimming. We provide an experienced hedge cutting service using the best hedge cutting machinery to guarantee an excellent finish.

We can also reduce the height of your hedge if you feel that it is getting out of control. We specialise in large Leylandii hedges.

Tree Planting

We can supply and Plant trees, shrubs and hedges, from a single specimen to large scale planting.

• Professional advice – What Tree? Where?
• We can supply any tree or shrub, providing it is commercially grown
• All year round planting, facilitated by container grown specimens
• Difficult locations and access
• Instant hedging – for immediate results
• Planting only service – if you prefer to do your own buying
• Site visits to discuss project details and to confirm costings

All work is undertaken to the highest horticultural standard, using experienced, trained staff. Our aim is to exceed your expectations and to win your confidence – much of our work comes from repeat business or referrals.