Tree Cutting Services for Horsham

Tree cutting takes many forms but it's a term many people use to describe either pruning or complete tree removal.

It's important to understand that if your tree is legally protected, then you may be committing a criminal offence if you prune or fell it without permission from your Local Planning Authority.

Here's are descriptions of some of the tree cutting terms you may come across.

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Pollarding

To pollard a tree is to prune in order to restrict its natural height.  It's used to keep trees and shrubs smaller than they would grow if left to their own devices.  Pollarding usually starts once your tree reaches the desired height, then annual pollarding will ensure the tree stays the same size.

Topping and Lopping

Topping and lopping are terms that aren't really used by the tree surgery industry any longer, but they do remain part of the vocubulary of local councils and planning regulation, so here's what they mean.

Topping refers to removing large parts of the crown of the tree and major branches, using horizontal cuts.

Whereas lopping refers to the removal of large side branches, using vertical cuts.

Let Horsham Tree Surgeons advise you before you undertake any major tree surgery.

Coppicing

Certain trees and shrubs are suitable for coppicing and the practice is used in woodland management.

To coppice means to prune the stems of the tree down to within 12 inches of ground level. Frequently used with hazel and sweet chestnut trees to provide stakes.  It's also a useful technique for creating a multi-stem shrub instead of a tree, or for encouraging larger leaf growth on certain specimens.

You can find more information about coppicing on the Royal Horticultural Society's website.

Crown Thinning

Crown thinning will not affect the overall shape or size of your tree. Usually carried out on broad-leafed trees, thinning can help air circulation and reduce wind resistance.  It involves removal of some of the smaller branches.

Crown Reduction

This involves a reduction in the spread and/or height of the crown of your tree.  There are a number of reasons why you may wish to reduce the crown of a tree, including:

• to reduce mechanical stress on the tree or on individual branches
• to lessen the density of the tree to allow more light into the garden or buildings
• to reduce the size of a tree that is outgrowing its environment

However, crown reduction should not be undertaken lightly as it can cause stress to certain types of tree.

That's why you should always take advice from a qualified tree surgeon before embarking on any drastic form of tree pruning.

Crown Lifting

Crown lifting involves the removal of lower branches, leaving the rest of the crown intact.  It may be necessary because a tree overhangs a public path, for example, or perhaps lower branches are causing damage to buildings.

Again Horsham Tree Surgeons can advise on all tree care services, so please call us on 01403 371980