Crown reduction in Cheddar and Somerset
Making a tree smaller without ruining its shape. Not topping.
What it is
Reducing the overall height and spread of a tree by shortening branches back to suitable growth points, so the tree keeps its natural outline in a smaller size. Typically a reduction of one to two metres, or up to about 30%.
When you need it
A tree that's outgrown its space: touching the house, blocking light from a window, overhanging the neighbour's garden, or simply too big for a garden that's got smaller around it. Also used to reduce the leverage on a tree with a structural weakness.
Reduction is not topping
Topping is cutting the top off a tree at an arbitrary height, leaving stubs. The tree responds with a mass of weak regrowth from the wound, the wound decays, and in ten years you have a bigger and more dangerous problem than you started with. A reduction cuts back to a growing side branch that can take over, so the tree seals the wound and keeps growing normally.I don't top trees.
Topping
- Cut at an arbitrary height, leaving stubs
- Wound can't seal, so decay gets in
- Dense, weakly attached regrowth
- Bigger problem within ten years
Reduction
- Cut back to a side branch that takes over
- Wound seals, tree carries on normally
- Natural outline kept, just smaller
- Repeat every three to five years
How much can come off
Depends on the species and the condition of the tree. Some take a heavy reduction well; some don't. I'll tell you at the quote what's sensible for yours, and if a reduction won't solve your problem I'll say that too.
Keeping it that size
A reduced tree grows back. Most need doing again every three to five years to stay at the size you want. That's worth knowing before you start.
What affects the cost
Height, spread, access and how much material comes out of the crown.What affects the cost of tree work →
Common questions
How much smaller can you make it?
Usually one to two metres, or up to about 30% of the crown, depending on the species and the condition of the tree. Taking much more than that stresses the tree and rarely looks right.
Will it look butchered?
Not if it is done properly. A reduction follows the natural outline of the tree and cuts back to growth points that can take over, so it reads as a smaller version of the same tree. Topping is what looks butchered, and I do not do it.
Is it cheaper to just remove the tree?
Sometimes, but not usually, and removal is permanent. A reduction keeps the screening, the shade and the tree itself. I will give you both prices at the quote if you want to compare.
How often will it need doing again?
Most reduced trees need attention again every three to five years to stay at the size you want. Worth knowing before you start.
I couldn't be happier with the work Mac from Mendip Tree Care carried out. Communication was excellent, he arrived on time, worked efficiently and completed the job to a really high standard. All the branches and waste were removed, leaving the garden spotless. It's hard to find reliable tradespeople these days, but Mac was fantastic. I'd happily recommend Mendip Tree Care to anyone looking for tree surgery, tree removal or hedge cutting, and I'll definitely be using him again in the future.