| Our Services
Thrift Wood Tree Services provides a comprehensive and professional service to the private and commercial sectors, from tree surgery and removal through to hedging and woodland maintenance. The following list provides an insight into some of the services that Thrift Wood Tree Services undertakes, this is not an exhaustive list, if the service you require is not on the list then please contact us to discuss. - Formative pruning - Crown reduction - Crown thinning - Crown lifting - Deadwooding - Pollarding - Dangerous trees - Felling - Hedge trimming - Cable bracing - Stump grinding Formative pruning Formative pruning helps to train young, developing trees or shrubs to produce a framework of strong, evenly spaced stems or branches. Many future structural problems can be rectified early on by simple and often minor formative pruning. The main objective of this type of pruning is to encourage the formation of good stem and branch structure in younger trees and shrubs, by improving the orientation, spacing, growth rate and ultimately size of branches. Crown reduction Reducing the overall size of the trees crown. Crown reductions are often used when a tree has grown too large for its permitted space. It is preferred to topping because it results in a more natural appearance, increases the time before pruning is needed again and minimises stress to the tree. This can increase light to surrounding buildings and landscapes whilst easing the strain to potentially weak areas of the tree, thus reducing the risk of failiure. This also reduces leaf surface area – moderating or even reducing a tree’s water requirements and limiting root growth. Crown reductions are normally calculated as a percentage or proportion. Crown thinning Is the removal of branches and foliage from within the tree’s overall crown whilst maintaining its overall size and form. It includes the removal of secondary or duplicating live branches to produce a uniform density of foliage around an evenly spaced branch structure. Crown thinning should not alter the overall size or shape of the tree. This allows for: a) increased passage of light, b) increased circulation of air through the crown – which lessens the buffer or sail effect caused by restricted wind flow, reducing the effects of high winds, c) reduced leaf surface area – moderating or even reducing a tree’s water requirements and limiting root growth. Thinning is also normally calculated as a percentage or proportion. Crown lifting Is the removal of the trees lower branches to raise the height of the crown from the ground. This can allow increased light to landscapes and buildings or improve access for pedestrians and traffic. Deadwooding Is the removal of dead and dying wood to reduce the actual or potential hazards whilst limiting further infection or decay within the tree. It is worth noting that deadwooding and the removal of any dead, dying or dangerous material is exempt from the restriction of Tree Preservation Orders although it is strongly advisable to notify the authorities before carrying out ANY work to a protected tree. Further more it worth remembering it is up to the individual to prove any work was exempt. Pollarding Is the removal of the trees crown to leave only the main stems which will have been dramatically reduced. We would only recommend this in certain circumstances and normally only for particular species. It is a particularly extreme technique and often a last resort. Dangerous trees These can come in all different shapes and sizes and some can particularly difficult to identify. Essentially it is about assessing and understanding the risk a tree poses. The danger may come from the tree as a whole or perhaps just one branch. Often these issues are highlighted by strong winds and bad weather and remedial work is required. See Useful Info – Recognising Tree Hazards Felling Trees are cut down to a stump just above ground level. Hedge trimming This can include the regular trimming of established hedges to maintain a strong and healthy hedge at a desired size and shape. Alternatively it may be reforming neglected and overgrown hedges reducing them back to a more manageable or preferred size regaining lost ground and or light. Where appropriate and desirable, traditional hedge-laying can be performed. Regular trimming and maintenance can be arranged as necessary. Cable bracing Is the supporting of large limbs and multiple stems of feature trees to reduce the risk of failure of the main structure. The cable brace systems are generally designed to support potentially weak unions or particularly heavy or vulnerable limbs. It can sometimes be an alternative to the removal of limbs which may be to the detriment of the trees amenity or aesthetic value. Stump grinding Is the controlled and precise removal of the a tree stump. The bowl of the stump is ground out to approximately 8-12” (20-30cm) below soil level. The hard woody stump is ground into small woodchips and can then easily be cleared away and composted, spread on the flower bed or if from a diseased tree burnt. |
