A guide to tree surgery services and terminology
Everything you need to know
Confused by all the language surrounding tree surgery? Don’t worry – our tree surgeons in Ipswich are here to help. Here’s your guide to the terminology that we use when working on properties in this part of Suffolk.
Why it’s good to be informed
Why should you know what tree surgery terminology means? After all, isn’t that your tree surgeon’s job? Yes – but it’s a good idea for you to be well-informed too! That way, you’ll feel more confident discussing tree surgery options with a member of our team, and will be able to visualise the end result for your outdoor space much more clearly.
Types of pruning
When your tree surgeon discussed pruning with you, they will use three main terms. They are as follows:
• Crown lifting: this type of pruning involves the removal of the lowest branches. It can also encompass the preparation of lower branches for future removal. It’s ideal in situations where a greater area of clearance below the tree is required, but you want to preserve the overall look and health of the tree.
• Crown thinning: this is the most common kind of tree pruning, and sees the removal of a number of smaller branches. These are usually at the outer crown. Trimming these back leads to a uniform density of foliage centred around an evenly spaced branch structure – giving your tree a much more uniform appearance.
• Crown reduction: this is the most complex kind of tree surgery. It is the reduction in height and/or spread of the crown, and can be performed to reduce mechanical stress on individual branches or the whole tree. This can make the tree more suited to its immediate environment, and reduce the effects of shading and light loss.
Other services
Your tree surgeon may mention other services to you, such as:
• Tree removal, felling and sectional dismantling: this is when a tree is cut down. If it is very tall and surrounded by buildings or power lines, we will remove it in pieces. This is called sectional dismantling. When possible, when can perform a straight felling with a single cut.
• Pollarding and coppicing: two of the oldest kinds of tree surgery. Pollarding sees a small portion of the tree remain to control its size, while coppicing removes it down to ground level.
• Stump grinding and removal: is a tree stump on your property causing issues? Then stump grinding and removal is the best option. Performed using powerful tools, it should only be carried out by a professional.
• Tree inspections and reports: sometimes you can need information on a tree for mortgage and insurance claims and report, tree surveys, land surveys, tree protection orders, or tree risk assessments. Ours will give you all the data that you need to submit.
• Tree limb bracing systems: this refers to the installation of cables, ropes or belts to reduce the chances of the tree structure failing due to excessive movement. Most of the bracing methods that we use are non-invasive, preserving the health and character of the tree.
Find out more today
If there’s something that you don’t understand, just get in touch with our team and we would be more than happy to help. Our team of tree surgeons in Ipswich are here to explain everything regarding tree surgery. There’s no such thing as a silly question in our book, and we will break things down into the simplest possible terms, so you have absolute confidence following our plan of action.
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