Prune it or Fell it?
Posted on 27th August 2020 at 13:47
PRUNING VS FELLING
There is obviously quite a difference between the two! We want to look at the benefits for both methods….
REDUCING/PRUNING
Reducing a tree (or in some cases, pruning) is the trimming of a tree or shrub or the practice of removing selective parts, such as branches, buds or roots. This is a practice that should be repeated from annually to 5 yearly depending on the trees age and desired result. With lots of benefits, we want to look at why reducing a tree is super important:
TREE HEALTH
By pruning a tree, you remove any dead or dying branches. This importantly allows room for new growth and encourages healthy fruit and flower production. Regular pruning circulates more air and light to the tree, prevents branches from crossing and keeps evergreens well-proportioned and dense. The practice also defers unwanted pests.
THE AESTHETIC OF THE TREE
The right kind of pruning will improve a trees appearance by encouraging healthy growth, shape and form. It will reduce the chance of branches growing back towards the trunk, growing downwards or crossing over. A tree that looks good and healthy will certainly increase curb appeal and make for a Pinterest worthy garden!
THE RISK FACTOR
No one wants to take the risk when it comes to health and safety. Regular pruning reduces the risk of storm and weather damage to the tree which will result in falling branches. This is especially important if the tree if located near a walkway, driveway, garden, communal or children’s play area.
ALLOW MORE LIGHT IN
A tree can provide much welcome shade to your garden but at the same time, it can cause your house to feel dark and stop natural light from coming into your property. Pruning or reducing the size of a tree is the best way to allow more light in whilst keeping some shade and without the drastic measure of removing the tree entirely. A crown lift can also have the same effect by removing the lower level branches at window height.
FELLING
We do not want to unnecessarily cut down a tree but in some situations, there can be reasons why it is just as important to fell a tree as it is to leave it. Tree felling involves removing the entire canopy and stem of a tree. Here are some reasons why you may chose this option:
THE TREE HAS DIED
It is usually pretty obvious when a tree has died. Once it has, its important to fell it. A dead tree is more susceptible to falling dead branches and much more likely to fall completely, especially in bad weather conditions. This obviously creates a huge safety risk.
TREE IS DAMAGED OR LEANING
Both these reasons make a tree more likely to fall. If a tree is leaning to one side, the continuous effect of the great British weather can result in the tree being uprooted and falling completely. If the tree has been damaged, this will obviously weaken it, resulting in the same.
TREE IS CAUSING DAMAGE
Tree roots can spread to 2-3 times the radius of the canopy. Occasionally, roots can cause structural damage to buildings and damage garages, paving slabs and drains. This may be another reason to fell the tree. If the tree is too close to buildings, the branches can also grow into and damage roofs and guttering.
TREE IS DECAYED
You may need a arborists expertise to determine this. As internal decay is not always visible, the tree may deteriorate and result in falling or snapping. This could be very dangerous depending on the tree’s location.
TREE HAS A DISEASE
A diseased tree does not always need to be felled but it is important to get a professional opinion for the best action to take depending on the severity of the disease. Leaving a diseased tree can lead to a whole host of problems – the disease can spread to other trees and plants in your garden, it can attract pests and the disease will only end up spreading if left, eventually resulting in the death of the whole tree.
Whether choosing to prune or fell a tree, it should be left to the professionals. If you would like to know more about the services we offer or to arrange a free quotation with Andrew, please call us on 01932 877619 or 07738 857619, email us mail@acutabovesurrey.co.uk.
Alternatively, fill out a contact form here.
Tagged as: Addlestone, August, Chertsey, Chobham, Cobham, Covid, Deadwooding, Felling, Garden Services, Guildford, Horsell, Monthly Blog, ottershaw, Surrey, Tree Removal, Tree Surgeon, Tree Surgery
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