The most common reason you might need a tree crown reduction in London - or anywhere else - is that your tree has become too large. This might mean the tree has long, overhanging branches which cause trouble with vehicles, may be dangerous in bad weather or be blocking light from your windows. If a tree has reached this stage, a crown reduction and general pruning may well be in the best interests of its health as well.
All-in-one tree crown thinning, lifting and reduction services in London
Keep your trees looking neat and healthy - as well as safe for buildings and passersby!
- Discuss your tree crown problems with knowledgeable, experienced tree surgeons
- Resolve the problems of old trees, leaning trees, possible falling branches, and light levels
- Rely on professionals who use proper tree care equipment and safety gear
- Relax knowing that your tree surgeons are certified to work safely on trees up to 65 feet in height
Tree surgery services we offer in London
Get crown reduction, thinning and lifting in London from certified tree surgeons
Protect buildings, parked cars, paths and more while preventing your trees from looking overgrown, overloaded with dead branches, or strangely misshapen. Use our service for crown reduction, crown lifting, or crown thinning in London to have experienced, certified tree surgeons provide specialist care for the crown of any type of tree you may have on your property.
With extensive experience caring for trees of all sizes, ages, and species, our professionals will ensure your trees are always left happy and healthy. You can have us perform a crown lift on a tree, reduce the volume of a crown, as well as deliver all other aspects of tree care.
Contact us today to get a free quote on crown reduction, thinning, or lifting for any tree. Your quote will be confirmed onsite when your team arrives.
Tree crown reduction
The goal with tree crown reduction is to enable your tree to become more stable and have a good basis for future growth. A beneficial side-effect of this is that the amount of dead wood near the interior of the tree will be removed and more sunlight will be able to penetrate through the canopy.
The actual process of tree crown reduction involves a qualified tree surgeon assessing your tree and then cutting it down to the level of secondary branches. This involves removing the primary branches and foliage at the top of the tree as they go. This might sound harsh. But it is, in fact, a proven horticultural method that is good for the health of your tree.
Tree crown thinning
Key signs that your tree has a crown that may need thinning is that it looks a little unhealthy - there may be a lot of dead or diseased wood - or overloaded. You may also spot that there are a lot of crossing branches within the crown.
When thinning the crown of a tree, our tree surgeons remove branches with the goal of making the crown even, focusing on areas that are overcrowded or which have unhealthy growth. When handled by experts, crown thinning gives a tree a chance to retain its natural growing cycle while also improving light penetration and dispersal.
Tree crown lifting
Crown lifting a tree refers to the practice of removing lower branches, making it appear as if the crown of the tree has been raised. This is the service you need if your tree has lower branches that are causing problems to other plants, buildings, vehicles, people, or your view.
The fully qualified tree surgeons we send to take care of your crown lifting in London will be able to assess the best way to remove your tree's lower branches to retain or even improve its good health as well as its aesthetic qualities.
Tree crown reduction specialist near you:
Genadi Vasilev Nikolov
Number of bookings: 1063
With Fantastic Services for: 3 years
Specialities:
Iliya Iliev
Number of bookings: 281
With Fantastic Services for: 11 months
Specialities:
Hedge, bush, and shrub trimming and pruning Planting and flowerbeds Fence installation and repair Landscaping and garden design
Dragos Creanga
Number of bookings: 898
With Fantastic Services for: 2 years
Specialities:
Frequently asked questions
Why would crown reduction be needed?
Why would crown thinning be necessary?
Thinning the crown of a tree can be good for its health, as the process includes the removal of dead wood, and weak or crossing branches. It also reduces the "sail effect" of the crown, making the tree more stable in windy conditions. Thinning also allows more light through the canopy to reach the ground and lower plants.
What is a crown lift on a tree?
Crown lifting involves removing the lower branches of a tree to raise the canopy. This improves access underneath and allows more light to reach the ground, benefiting both surrounding plants and people. It's often done when low-hanging branches obstruct paths or block sunlight at the tree’s base.
When to crown lift trees?
The ideal time to perform crown lifting is during a tree’s early life. Proper early management encourages the tree to grow in a healthy, practical shape from the start, and reduces the need for more significant intervention later.
When is the best time of year for tree crown reduction?
Winter is the best time for deciduous trees to have their crowns reduced. You can request crown reduction when the tree is in leaf, but we’ll often advise waiting until dormancy. Our tree surgeons will always give you clear, expert advice based on your tree’s species and condition.
When should you call a tree surgeon?
Contact a tree surgeon when you notice overgrown canopies, broken or dead branches, trees leaning or growing into property lines, or if a tree poses a safety risk. Regular pruning can also be scheduled to maintain tree health and appearance.
What is the British standard for tree surgery?
The British Standard for tree work is BS 3998. It provides guidelines for pruning, maintenance, safety, and overall tree care best practices. All our services are carried out in line with these standards.
How much does tree crown thinning cost?
The cost depends on the size and condition of the tree. Your quote will be confirmed on-site when the team arrives.
How much do tree surgeons charge per hour near London?
Charges vary depending on the type of work, equipment needed, and access. You’ll receive a confirmed quote once the tree surgeon assesses the job in person.
How do I choose a tree surgeon?
Look for a certified and insured professional with proven experience and strong customer reviews. A trustworthy tree surgeon should offer clear, upfront quotes and operate with proper safety measures in place.
What insurance should tree surgeons have?
They should carry public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. This protects against property damage and ensures safety for all parties involved.
What do tree surgeons do with the wood?
The wood removed is usually chipped, recycled, or disposed of responsibly. If you'd like to keep any logs or wood chips, let us know and we’ll arrange it.
Do tree surgeons cut hedges?
Yes, our tree surgeons are also available for hedge trimming and maintenance services.
View all questions
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Local areas we cover
- East London
- West London
- North London
- South London
- Bristol
- Liverpool
- Luton
- Manchester
- New Malden
- Oxford
- Sheffield
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