Trees
Pruning
Overview:
As gardens get smaller one may find that a previous occupant had little regard for the eventual size of a tree/s they planted many years ago, and it has now become necessary to reduce the height, and or spread of these tree/s.
Before any work is done, check if the tree is in a conservation area or subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
Before commencing work on the tree/s, it is wise to advise your neighbour/s of your intentions, particularly if you will be required to enter their property to clear up.
A few basic Tips:
- Most deciduous trees are best pruned after leaf fall, that is, from late autumn onwards so that you can see better as to what is required.
- Pruning in early spring may cause some trees to bleed sap so avoid pruning at this time to prevent this happening.
- Some deciduous trees, e.g. Birch, Cherry, Horse Chestnut, Maple and Walnut will bleed no matter what time you prune them, so prune these in mid-summer after new growth has matured.
- Conifers require little or no regular pruning except the removal of dead or diseased branches in late summer.
Safety:
- Plan the method/s to be adopted.
- Safe working practices should be paramount.
- Wear a hard hat and eye protection at all times.
- If using power tools wear ear mufflers.
- Consider how you will drop branches without damaging your or your neighbour’s property.
- If you plan on carrying out work yourself, never work alone especially if you are using power tools such as chainsaws.
- Avoid carrying out the work in wet weather.
- As an alternative consider using a qualified tree surgeon.
This may be a more expensive option, but he/she will know what is required, and will be covered by insurance, something your home insurance might not cover if you do the work yourself and things go wrong.
Pruning:
Basically there are three methods of pruning and they are; Crown Thinning, Pollarding and Coppicing
Crown Thinning:
- This entails the removal of excessive or congested growth.
- This is generally done with trees that have outgrown their allotted space, casting too much shade, or might be endangering adjacent property.
Pollarding:
- Used to prune back large branches to the main stem or trunk, and lower the height of the tree to a more manageable height.
- Pollarding should be carried out in late winter or early spring when food reserves are high and the tree is not experiencing water stress.
- This treatment is best carried out on young trees as these will respond quicker from wounding, thus reducing the risk of infection and decay.
- Pruning should be carried out annually to keep it with in the required bounds for light and size.
- Do this by cutting out the new branches that have formed above previous pollarding wounds, anf this will avoid exposing older wood, which is more prone to decay.
Aftercare:
Coppicing:
- This type of pruning is generally used to make the tree / shrub produce vigorous bushy growth.
- It is done by regularly pruning the tree/shrub close to ground level to encourage new growth from soil level.
- Some cultivars perform better for this treatment if done annually.
- After pruning apply a balanced fertiliser to the manufacturer's recommended rates.
- Do not be tempted to overdo the dosage as this might stimulate excessive soft new growth.
- More information on Coppicing can be found here;