Common Tree Surgery Techniques Explained

Trees are some of the most valuable features of our gardens, streets and public landscapes. They provide shade, reduce noise, improve air quality and offer a home for wildlife. Yet, like any living organism, trees can become overgrown, weakened by storms, or diseased over time. Proper care is essential if we want to enjoy their benefits for decades to come. This is where professional tree surgery comes in. Tree surgery is a highly skilled branch of arboriculture that goes far beyond simply cutting off branches. It requires an understanding of tree biology, the correct use of specialised equipment, and a careful balance between aesthetics, safety and long-term health. A qualified tree surgeon in Plymouth will combine technical knowledge with practical experience to assess each tree individually and recommend the most appropriate method of care.

1. Crown Reduction – Controlling Size While Maintaining Health

Crown reduction is one of the most frequently requested services for mature trees that have grown too large for their location. Over time, a tree’s canopy can spread wide or grow tall enough to threaten nearby roofs, overhead lines or neighbouring properties. Rather than harshly “topping” the tree, which can cause stress and rapid, weak regrowth, an experienced arborist selectively shortens certain branches.

This careful pruning reduces the overall height or spread by a controlled percentage, usually 10–30%, while preserving the tree’s natural outline. By lowering the canopy, crown reduction also lessens wind resistance, which is especially valuable in coastal areas such as Plymouth where strong gusts can cause dangerous limb failure.

2. Crown Thinning – Light and Air for a Healthier Canopy

Some trees develop an overly dense canopy that blocks light and traps moisture. Crown thinning involves the selective removal of smaller interior branches to allow more sunlight and air to circulate through the crown. This not only brightens the space below but also reduces the weight carried by heavy limbs, lowering the risk of breakage during storms.

When performed correctly, thinning does not change the tree’s overall size or silhouette. Instead, it creates a more open, balanced structure that encourages healthy new growth and can even improve fruiting in species such as apple or pear.

3. Crown Lifting – Creating Space at Ground Level

Crown lifting is the process of removing lower branches to increase the clearance beneath the canopy. This is particularly important along public footpaths, driveways and roads, where low-hanging branches can obstruct vehicles or pedestrians. In gardens, lifting can also help more sunlight reach lawns and flower beds, improving the growth of plants below.

A professional tree surgeon ensures that cuts are made at the correct junctions, avoiding large wounds that might invite decay. Gradual lifting over several seasons is often recommended for younger trees to prevent stress and preserve a strong trunk.

4. Pollarding – Traditional Size Control

Pollarding is an ancient method of managing trees in confined spaces. It involves cutting back all branches to a predetermined framework of main limbs, from which new shoots emerge. Over time, this creates a distinctive rounded head of dense foliage. Pollarding is especially common for species such as willows, limes and planes in urban areas, where controlling height is essential.

Because the new shoots grow vigorously, pollarded trees require regular follow-up pruning every few years to maintain their structure and prevent heavy regrowth from becoming unstable. A skilled tree surgeon in Plymouth will know the correct season and technique to ensure the tree responds safely.

5. Dead-wooding – Removing Hidden Hazards

Dead branches may remain attached high in the canopy long after they have died, posing a hidden danger to anyone below. Dead-wooding is the targeted removal of these limbs to reduce the risk of falling debris. It also allows the tree to direct energy to healthy growth and improves overall appearance.

While homeowners might be tempted to tackle dead branches themselves, climbing into the upper canopy with chainsaws is dangerous work. Certified tree surgeons use ropes, harnesses and specialist saws to safely remove dead wood without damaging living tissue.

6. Tree Felling and Sectional Dismantling – When Removal Is Unavoidable

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a tree must be removed. This may be due to severe disease (such as ash dieback), irreparable storm damage, or structural weakness that threatens property and people. In open spaces, a straight felling cut at the base may be possible, allowing the entire tree to fall safely in one piece.

However, most urban gardens and streets do not offer this luxury. Sectional dismantling is the preferred technique in built-up areas. Using ropes, rigging equipment and occasionally cranes, the arborist carefully removes the tree piece by piece, lowering each section to the ground to avoid damaging surrounding structures.

7. Stump Grinding and Complete Removal

After a tree is felled, the remaining stump can attract pests, harbour disease and create an obstacle for future landscaping. Stump grinding uses a powerful rotating blade to chip the stump down below ground level, allowing the area to be turfed or replanted. For sites requiring deep foundations or replanting of another tree in the same spot, full stump removal may be advised, although it involves more labour and soil disturbance.

8. Bracing and Cabling – Supporting Valuable Trees

Not every structural problem requires cutting. In some cases, valuable or historic trees with weak forks or heavy limbs can be preserved using support systems. Bracing rods or flexible steel cables are installed to redistribute weight and reduce the risk of splitting during high winds.

These systems must be inspected regularly to ensure they remain effective as the tree grows. A local professional can monitor their condition and adjust as necessary, prolonging the life of a beloved specimen.

9. Tree Health Assessments and Ongoing Care

Beyond physical cutting, many tree surgeons provide diagnostic services. By inspecting bark, leaves and root systems, they can identify pests, fungal infections or nutrient deficiencies before they become critical. Preventive treatments, such as soil aeration or targeted fertilisation, can then be applied to strengthen the tree’s natural defences.

For homeowners, arranging a regular inspection with a reputable tree surgeon in Plymouth is one of the most effective ways to maintain a safe, thriving landscape year after year.

The Importance of Professional Expertise

Tree surgery is inherently dangerous. It involves working at height, operating chainsaws and managing heavy limbs that can weigh hundreds of kilograms. Attempting DIY pruning or felling without the correct training and equipment can lead to serious injury, property damage or the unintended death of the tree itself.

Qualified arborists follow British Standards (BS3998) to ensure that every cut is made in a way that promotes healthy regrowth and minimises risk. They also carry the necessary insurance and can handle waste responsibly, leaving your site tidy and safe.

Final Thoughts

Trees are long-term investments that enrich our environment and increase property value. Whether you need a careful crown reduction for a mature oak, dead-wooding for a roadside beech, or full removal of a dangerous conifer, understanding these common tree surgery techniques will help you make informed choices.

By engaging a professional tree surgeon in Plymouth, you gain the assurance that each job, whether pruning, felling or ongoing maintenance, is performed with safety, sustainability and the future health of your trees in mind. With expert care, your trees can continue to provide beauty, shade and ecological benefits for generations.