Tree Pruning in Aldermaston and Reading

Trees grow in the environment they find themselves in and have to adapt to their surroundings. They are designed to grow amongst other trees in a woodland, continually self-optimising, and developing a balance with their situation, however many find themselves growing in an urban area, and without the support and protection of other trees.

Trees suffer with issues from damage caused by severe weather, pests and diseases, but many problems also tend to arise with conflicts of interest with humans and property. Human activities can lead to problems with growth or structural integrity, when their shape is adversely modified to fit around human life. Increased or changed exposure to prevailing winds, with the construction or demolition of buildings, can upset the balance of a tree.

About Tree Pruning

When a tree has grown close to a structure, be it a building or another tree, it will have been sheltered from the prevailing wind and the tree will grow in such a way to strengthen and balance itself accordingly. By removing branches from that tree or removing the nearby structure, the balance of the tree will be affected because of its environment and changing position within it.

Pruning a tree needs to be thought about and planned in the interests of the tree. Future problems with the tree can be often avoided by following structurally beneficial pruning techniques.

Tree Crown Cutting

The most common requirements for trees growing in a built-up area is for the tree to be cut back to reduce its size and impression on the environment it is positioned in. Cutting back the crown of the tree often takes two forms:

Crown reduction � Cutting back the crown of a tree to reduce its size overall or to clear space between the tree and a building. Particular regard should be paid to the characteristics of the species as well as the physiological condition of the individual tree. The extent of crown reduction should be determined on the basis of the management objective and on an assessment of the ability of the tree to withstand the treatment. Efforts should be made to retain or improve the shape of the tree and ensure the tree is left balanced and to not be affected by wind.
Crown lift - Crown lifting involves pruning to achieve a desired vertical clearance above ground level or another surface to the tree. This is sometimes necessary to facilitate site usage, such as pedestrian or vehicle access. Crown lifting that involves cutting back branches to the stem(s) should preferably not result in the removal of more than 15% of the live crown height. Also, the remaining live crown should make up at least two-thirds of the height of the tree.

Roots Shoots Leaves Ltd provide tree services in accordance with the British Standard on Tree Work BS3998:2010. Our staff have been trained by the NPTC and the Arboriculture Association. They are first aid trained, we run a program of apprenticeships and further training.