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Tree Care
We offer a complete range of tree care services. Click here for a map of the area in which we operate.
Contact us now on 020 8287 0543 for advice or a free quote.
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning is a method of pruning a tree while maintaining it’s overall size and natural structure. Thinning secondary branches reduces the density of the tree, which in effect allows more light into the garden, reduces wind resistance, improves form and reduces growth rate.
Crown Lifting
Crown lifting is removal of the lowest branches to give a uniform height from ground level. Lifting allows more light into the garden and gives ground clearance to passing people and traffic. In the U.K. common practice dictates clearance for vehicles is 5.2 metres (~17 feet), and for pedestrians 2.5m (~8 feet).
*Here the lower branches have been removed (lifted) and other branches have been pruned back so as to not intrude onto the property. The other side has been balanced to shape.
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is used to reduce the height and/or spread of the crown of a tree by the removal of the ends of branches whilst maintaining the tree’s natural shape as far as practicable. Pollarding is a variation of crown reduction and in only suitable for certain types of trees under certain conditions.
* A 10-15% reduction. A nice light reduction maintains the shape of the tree while at the same time addresses problems which are caused by root and oversize problems.
* A 25-30% reduction on a London Plane. As a general rule trees look best when the canopy has not been reduced. However, sometimes (in this case) root and oversize problems call for a compromise. A canopy reduction, which aims to maintain the natural shape of the tree, is the answer. Some trees, such as Beech, do not respond well to a canopy reduction so in these cases a 10-15% reduction is the most recommended.
Felling
This is the complete removal of a tree down to ground level. Section felling is when the tree is removed in small pieces and lowered to the ground using ropes and lowering devices. Using this method surrounding plants and structures are unaffected. Felling is only recommended when adverse effects of a tree are excessive.
*Steve at work.
*Steve dismantling a dangerous giant. This massive diseased Oak had been standing dead for 12 months before Kingston Council gave the go-ahead for the tree to be removed.
Fruit and Small Tree Pruning
Even small trees can become overgrown and often need re-shaping to contain the spread and maintain shape. Pruning for fruit is different to pruning to shape and involves the selection of good wood to increase the quality of the fruit
*Keeping trees pruned regularly ensures that all the benefits of a garden feature can be enjoyed while not causing shading or root growth problems.
*Pruning small trees to create a contained formal shaped which will not block too much light from the down stairs rooms.
Hedges
Maintaining a good hedge involves regular trimming. Ideally all formally trimmed hedges should be pruned once a year, at least. This is especially true of conifers hedges as new rules regarding high hedges carry obligations to owners when hedges are left to grow too high. We will advise on legal obligations with the ‘High Hedges Act’.
Stump Grinding
This involves the removal of stumps below ground level after a tree has been felled. A 31-inch wide access is needed for the machine. The stump-grinding machine will slowly mill the stump down to approx 10 inches below ground level.
*A stump grinder in action. This robust machine is able to mill a stump into grindings allowing for further planting to take place.
Planting
After a tree has been removed it is often a good idea to plant a replacement tree. By taking into account local conditions and ultimate height and spread of a tree it is possible to select the best type of tree for the right place.
Planning Permission
Planning permission is sometimes needed when trees are protected by law. The two main types of protection in our area are related to Conservation areas and Tree Preservation Orders.
Little Oak Tree Care will deal with any planning matters at no extra cost.
Emergencies
Good tree maintenance will greatly reduce the risk of trees creating an emergency situation. However, sometimes weather conditions can be so extreme as to up root or snap trees. If a tree has fallen in a dangerous way we will endeavour to get to the situation as quickly as possible.
Call us now on 020 8287 0543.
Good tree maintenance will greatly reduce the risk of trees creating an emergency situation. This tree fell over in high winds following the laying of a patio by builders which involved tree roots being cut.
