BirdsallTree Services · Leeds
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Service 02

Tree pruning: crown reduction, thinning & lifting.

Shaping the canopy so the tree sits well with the light and the building it shares a garden with, done properly to BS3998.

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Tree pruning, done properly to BS3998.

Good tree pruning is subtle. The goal is a tree that looks like nothing happened: lighter, better shaped, no stubs, no lion's tails. We work to BS3998 throughout, whether it's a crown reduction, thinning or a crown lift, so every cut goes back to a natural growth point and the tree can seal over cleanly.

We'll always talk through how much canopy is sensible to remove. Usually it's less than clients expect. A 15–20% reduction done well will do more for a tree's long-term health than a hard cut that leaves it stressed and trying to recover. We'll explain what the tree is likely to do over the next few seasons as a result of whatever we do.

Typical jobs
Blocking light to garden or windowsCanopy over a roof or pathDeadwoodingCrown liftingAfter storm damageFormative shaping
How it works
01

Free site visit

We look at the tree, discuss what you want to change and what the canopy can sensibly take. Usually less than clients expect.

02

Written quote

Work spec agreed to BS3998. Natural finishing cuts, no stubs. We explain what the tree will do over the next few seasons.

03

Work done

Tree looks like nothing happened: lighter, better shaped, healthy. All arisings removed as standard.

Crown reduction & thinning

Questions we get asked

How much should you reduce a tree's crown by?
Usually less than people expect. A 15–20% reduction done well does more for a tree's long-term health than a hard cut that leaves it stressed. We work to BS3998 so every cut goes back to a natural growth point and the tree seals over cleanly.
What's the difference between crown reduction, thinning and lifting?
Reduction makes the whole canopy smaller while keeping its shape. Thinning removes selected branches to let more light and air through without changing the outline. Crown lifting raises the lower canopy to clear paths, lawns or outbuildings. We'll advise which suits your tree on a free site visit.
What is crown lifting?
Crown lifting raises the lowest branches of a tree to give clearance underneath (over a path, lawn, driveway or outbuilding) without changing the overall size or shape of the canopy. It's one of the lightest-touch pruning jobs we do, and a simple way to get more light and headroom without taking the whole crown back.
When is the best time to prune a tree?
Most tree pruning is cleaner in late autumn and winter, once the leaves are off and we can read the structure properly. A few species are exceptions: cherry, plum and birch we usually prune in mid-summer to lower the risk of disease. We work to BS3998 whatever the season and will advise the right timing for your tree on a free site visit.
Pricing guide How much does crown reduction & tree pruning cost?
Related services
01 Felling & dismantling 04 Hedge cutting & trimming 06 Surveys & reports

We'll come and look at the tree first. No charge, no pressure.

Site visit within the week. Written quote before we touch anything.

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