Crown Reductions

The reduction in height and/or spread of the crown of a tree. Crown reduction may be used to reduce stress on individual branches or the whole tree, make the tree more suited to its immediate environment or to reduce the effects of shading and light loss, etc. The final result should retain the main framework of the crown, and so a significant proportion of the leaf bearing structure, and leave a similar, although smaller outline, and to leave the tree looking in proportion and well balanced. Crown reduction cuts should be as small as possible and always cut to a suitable growth point. Not all species are suitable for this treatment and crown reduction should not be confused with ‘topping’, an indiscriminate and harmful treatment which we try our best to avoid at all costs.

You can prepare for this service by making sure anything valuable is removed from the vicinity and all obstructions are also removed to assist us in getting our team and equipment in allowing us to get the job finished safely and on time.

Tree care services available in Newbury, Hungerford, Lambourn, Thatcham, Marlborough, Wantage, Basingstoke, Reading and all surrounding towns and villages.

Crown Lifting

Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches to raise the lower canopy to the desired height. Good practice dictates crown lifting should not normally include the removal of large branches growing directly from the trunk as this can cause large wounds. Crown lifting on older, mature trees should be avoided or restricted to secondary branches or shortening of primary branches rather than the whole removal wherever possible. Crown lifting is an effective method of increasing light transmission to areas closer to the tree or to enable access under the crown but should leave the crown at least two thirds of the total height of the tree. Crown lifting should be specified with reference to a fixed point, e.g. ‘crown lift to give 5.5m clearance above ground level’.

The most common reason for crown lifting is probably where trees are situated on driveways or next to roads to allow larger vehicle access. It could also be that the tree is located in a garden or footpath and the branches are too low to walk underneath.

You can prepare for this service by making sure anything valuable is removed from the vicinity and all obstructions are also removed to assist us in getting our team and equipment in allowing us to get the job finished safely and on time.

Tree care services available in Newbury, Hungerford, Lambourn, Thatcham, Marlborough, Wantage, Basingstoke, Reading and all surrounding towns and villages.

Crown Thinning

Crown Thinning involves the removal of a proportion of secondary branches to produce a uniform structure to the crown of a tree, reducing the density without altering the size. It demands a high level of knowledge of trees, tree shapes and experience working from the inner limbs of a tree. We can carry out this service in a safe and secure manner with minimum disruption.

Common reasons for Crown Thinning are to allow more light to pass through the tree, reduce wind resistance or to reduce weight and is rarely a one-time operation. We offer a range of crown thinning services at a very competitive rate along with a friendly, reliable and efficient service that is unrivalled in.

You can prepare for this service by making sure anything valuable is removed from the vicinity and all obstructions are also removed to assist us in getting our team and equipment in allowing us to get the job finished safely and on time.

This type of work sends us all over the Berkshire/Wiltshire/Hampshire border and we cover Newbury, Hungerford, Lambourn, Thatcham, Marlborough, Wantage, Basingstoke, Reading and all surrounding towns and villages.

Dead Wooding

Dead wooding is the removal of all dead and damaged branches from the crown of a tree. This is carried out for mainly safety reasons but also to enhance the overall appearance of the tree making it neat and tidy.

There are many reasons why branches can die off, including light deficiency, pests and disease damage to roots.

Dead wooding should be carried out for safety as dead branches will eventually decay and fall off. This process is normally slow but can be shortened by high winds and extremities in temperature. This is particularly crucial for trees overhanging roads, houses, public areas and gardens as it could cause a potential threat to pedestrians, traffic or children playing below. A climbing inspection of the tree needs to take place to remove any major deadwood causing threat.

Notice that when mentioning the dead material to be removed ‘major deadwood’ was stated. This reasoning is because there are plenty of dead branches which are too small to be a concern; therefore it would not be necessary to remove them. It is the decision of the climber to choose the diameter of dead wood according to the timber characteristics that should be removed from the canopy for each individual tree.

The advantages to dead wooding:

• Safety – remove those branches before they fall on your property, or passing pedestrian and vehicles.
• Remove unwanted weight, reducing the wind resistance of the tree and helping overall balance.
• Aesthetic reasons – a tree with the deadwood removed looks more aesthetically pleasing.

Our fully qualified team will undertake this task to ensure you have a healthy and safe tree. They will of course complete the work and remove all waste to leave your garden ready to enjoy.

You can prepare for this service by making sure anything valuable is removed from the vicinity and all obstructions are also removed to assist us in getting our team and equipment in allowing us to get the job finished safely and on time.

We carry out dead wooding in Newbury, Hungerford, Lambourn, Thatcham, Marlborough, Wantage, Basingstoke, Reading and all surrounding towns and villages.

Cable Bracing

At Foxes we LOVE trees, especially old veteran trees and so will do whatever we can to preserve them and prolong their life.

Trees are cable braced when a structural weakness has been identified which means that a tree is at risk of structural damage to both itself and/or surrounding buildings. It is a preferred practice over-pruning of mature trees with heavy limbs. Cable bracing prevents heavy, lateral limbs breaking away from the crown at unions.

At Foxes we have the knowledge to supply and fit bracing into trees using both traditional and more modern measures. Retaining old trees is so important, it provides essential habitat for birds, insects, other wildlife, and also for future generations to enjoy.

Protected Trees

Some trees are protected – they can either be covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or can be located inside a Conservation Area. This means that permission is required from the Local Authority before any work can be carried out. We can assist you through this process and can even complete the application paperwork for you to get the ball rolling!