Glasgow Tree Pruning Methods
As with anywhere, in Glasgow tree pruning is different for each species of tree. Different species need pruning to different degrees, at different frequencies, at different stages in their life and at different times of the year. Across West of Scotland & Greater Glasgow tree pruning keeps us constantly busy as our wet environment keeps trees growing quickly.
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning does not alter the overall shape of size of the tree. It involves the pruning of generally smaller branches closer to the outside of the crown. It is carried out evenly across the tree generally not removing any more that 30% of the overall crown.
- Reasons for Crown Thinning:
- Allow more light to pass through the tree
- Reduce wind resistance
- Reduce weight
Crown Lifting or Crown Raising
This is the pruning of the lowest branches of a tree to allow a certain clearance beneath the crown. The amount of crown lifting should be restricted to no more than 15% of the living crown height so as not to over stress the tree.
On older trees, the larger branches growing directly from the tree trunk should not be pruned as this risks the health of the tree. Generally, only tertiary branches should be removed.
- Reasons for Crown Lifting:
- Allows more light to reach areas closer to the tree
- Allows clearance access for people or vehicles
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is the overall reduction in height and spread of the crown. Cuts should not exceed 100mm in diameter and the overall framework of the crown should be maintained and should retain much of the leaf bearing parts of the tree so that the tree can continue growing healthily.
- Reasons for Crown Reduction:
- Reduce mechanical stress on the tree or individual branches
- Decrease shading
- Shape the tree better to its situation
Crown Cleaning/ Deadwooding
As the name suggests, this type of tree pruning involves the removal of dead or diseased branches from the canopy. Sometimes climbing plants such as ivy can be removed as well, all of which goes towards keeping a healthy long living tree.
- Reasons:
- Reduction of weight from the tree
- Tree Health. Cutting of diseased, dead or dying wood
- Removal of climbing plants
Pollarding
Pollarding is a very sever type of tree pruning where the upper branches of a of a tree are cut to help promote the growth of a dense foliage head and to keep the tree height to a certain level.
Trees that work well with pollarding are generally broadleaves like oaks, maples, lindens and limes, mulberries, beeches, horse chestnuts and willows as well as some conifers such as yews.
- Reasons:
- Traditionally to promote new growths yearly for use for fodder, fuel or building materials
- These days it is generally used as a means of restricting tree height to a certain level.
Tree Lopping and Tree Topping
These terms are mostly outdated these days as it is now understood the damage these tree care practices can cause.
Tree lopping is the pruning and removal of larger side branches from trees by making vertical cuts.
Tree topping is generally the pruning of large parts of the tree crown by cutting main stems with horizontal cuts.
Removing such large parts of a tree can cause a lot of damage and stress to a tree and can be very harmful potentially killing or decreasing the lifespan of a tree. Our Glasgow tree pruning team is made up of tree surgeons and arborists who will be able to advise on the safe level of pruning that can be carried out to retain healthy long-lived trees.
Reasons for Tree Pruning
Glasgow is home to a very wide range of tree species all needing different types of pruning and tree care. Generally, the reasons for tree pruning can be divided into the following sections:
- Reduce wind loading. In situations where a tree may be at risk of being blown over by high winds tree trimming can improve the safety and increase the life of a tree.
- Reduce shading. In Glasgow trimming trees back or thinning out the canopy can allow our rare sunshine through to a garden space or windows.
- Improve access or garden space. When a tree’s growth encroaches on access ways, areas or buildings, removing tree branches with a professional arborist can retain the health and beauty of a tree without the need to completely remove the tree.
- Storm Damaged Trees. When Glasgow’s worst weather causes branches to brake and are left hanging dangerously, tree pruning can remove the danger and help ensure that the tree stays healthy with less chance of disease entering the wound where the branch has broken.
- Control the shape of a tree canopy. Various tree pruning methods such as pollarding can be used to control the size and shape of a tree canopy.