Crown reduction and thinning in Glastonbury and across Somerset
If a tree has got too big or is blocking the light, reducing or thinning its crown can solve the problem and keep the tree.
What is crown reduction?
The crown is the top of the tree: its branches and leaves. Crown reduction shortens the branches to make the whole crown smaller, while keeping the tree’s natural shape.
Crown thinning leaves the size much the same but removes selected branches from inside the crown, so more light and wind can pass through.
Jhereck takes a sympathetic approach, working with the tree’s shape rather than flattening it off. Done this way, you generally can’t tell the tree has had work done.
If the problem is only a few branches, tree pruning may be enough. If the tree can’t be kept, tree felling may be the better option.
When you might need it
- A tree is too big for your garden
- It’s blocking the light to your house or garden
- Branches are growing too close to a building
- Its roots are threatening to damage a building’s foundations, as reducing the crown slows down root growth
- It’s catching more wind than you’re comfortable with
- You want to keep the tree rather than have it felled
How the job works
- Get in touch. Call us or send the details of the job and where you are.
- Quote. We look at the job and give you a quote.
- Checks and a date. We check whether any permission is needed, make the application to the council if it is, and agree a date with you.
- The work. We carry out the work as agreed.
- Clear-up. We clear up as agreed before we leave.
Photos of our work
Working in the crown from an access platform.
Cutting limbs high in a large tree.
Crown reduction questions
What’s the difference between crown reduction and thinning?
Reduction makes the tree smaller overall. Thinning keeps it about the same size but makes the crown less dense. Which one suits your tree depends on the problem you’re trying to solve.
Do I need permission?
You might. Work on a tree with a Tree Preservation Order normally needs the council’s consent, and in a conservation area you normally have to give the council six weeks’ written notice. Somerset Council can tell you whether either applies to your tree.
If an application is needed, we can make it to the council for you.
Will it harm the tree?
Not every tree responds well, and how much can safely be taken off depends on its species, age and health. We’ll look at it and tell you what we’d recommend before any work starts.
When is the best time of year?
The best time depends on the type of tree and the work it needs, so we’ll advise you when we look at it.
Wherever the timing, nesting birds are protected by law, so any nests need to be checked for before work starts.
What happens to the branches?
We’ll agree with you before we start whether the branches are taken away or left as logs or woodchip.
Related services
Removing selected branches to keep a tree healthy and in shape.
Taking down trees that are dead, dangerous or in the wrong place.
Trimming and reducing hedges to keep them tidy.
Need crown reduction in Glastonbury or Somerset?
Call or send us the details and we’ll get back to you with a quote.