When to prune a tree? Should I hire a tree surgeon?

Trees can make the outside of your property look beautiful. Having trees in your garden can create areas for shade or can be there as a feature. As much as trees are easy to plant and grow, maintaining them is an important step to helping them stay healthy, grow stronger and protect your property for accidental damage.
 
Do you need to prune trees?
Yes. Trees should be trimmed or pruned periodically, and sometimes branches need to be cut off to help ensure the health of the tree and your safety. Here is why tree pruning must be a part of your ongoing garden maintenance:

1. Regular pruning provides the opportunity to remove dead or diseased branches  which will improve the overall health of the tree. Pruning also strengthens the trees, when the sunlight and nutrients are distributed to fewer branches. Pruning also helps the tree flower or bear fruit better in the subsequent year.
2. Pruning allows you to detect and remove any weaker branches that could cause damage to the property or people if they fall.
3. Trimming and shaping a tree can improve its physical appearance.

 
How often should you trim your trees?
We suggest pruning or trimming trees once per year during the dormant season, which can vary depending on the species of your tree. For major tree cutting, like crown thinning, we suggest every 3-5 years.

The dormant season is classed as the period when the fruit or flowering season has passed. This is usually between late autumn and before the start of spring.

Other times when tree pruning may be necessary are:

• After high winds and a tree has suffered damage
• When trees grow too much during the active season and cause obstructions
• When trees grow into something, such as a power line (on these occasions let the utility company know)

Can you trim, prune or cut a tree yourself?
The quick answer is maybe. It depends on the type of tree, how big it is and where it is located. Before embarking on this yourself, think about your safely. This is a dangerous job, especially when you are dealing with older and larger trees. Check your tree and use our rule of thumb to help you decide:

• Branches smaller than 5cm in diameter: You can do yourself
• Branches between 5-10cm in diameter: Think twice whether you really should do it yourself
• Branches wider than 10cm in diameter: Call a Tree Surgeon

​If you have any doubt, then it’s probably likely that you should call in an expert arborist. They will be able to complete the job in a timely and safe manner and they will be able to dispose of your branches too. 

Contact us for the following tree services in Chelmsford:
​Emergency Tree Services |  Tree Pruning |  Tree Removal | Stump Removal | ​Stump Grinding | ​Crown Lifting | Crown Thinning | Hedge Trimming

We cover:
Billericay, Blackmore, Boreham, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Danbury, East Hanningfield, Hatfield Peveral Ingatestone, ​Little Baddow, Maldon, Margaretting,  Mountnessing, Newney Green, Radley Green, Roxwell, Stock, West Hanningfield, Writtle.