What is tree pruning or trimming?

Trimming, or pruning, a tree involves reducing its silhouette in order to improve its shape and structure. Professional tree pruning services by qualified local tree surgeons such as Take A Bough are also necessary to remove dead or diseased branches, or to scale down future growth and limit size.

A tree surgeon tree trimming and pruning

Trees are also pruned to reduce the amount of shade cast, which is especially important in smaller London gardens. Some trees need to be a tree pruning service to reduce the level of wind resistance or to provide clearance between the tree and a structure. Branches must be removed if they pose a threat to power lines or nearby windows. Neighbours may also be inconvenienced by unfettered growth which may overhang their property, and this is another common reason our local tree surgery customers request our tree pruning services.

Hedges also need to be trimmed regularly and Take a Bough Tree Care can schedule regular hedge trimming visits to keep your hedge neat and healthy.

When is the best time of year for tree pruning services?

The optimum time to prune a tree is dependent on many factors, such as the maturity and species of the tree. The reason a tree pruning service is required is also a factor. A dangerous tree must always be dealt with immediately. A qualified tree surgeon will be able to discuss the best plan for your tree and to carry out the tree pruning service at the correct time.

How often should trees be pruned?

Ideally, a tree should be pruned every three to five years. A correctly pruned tree will retain its shape longer than a badly pruned one as proper pruning will limit the reaction and regrowth explosion that can permanently damage a tree. So choosing a tree pruning service by a suitably qualified and experienced local tree surgeon like Take A Bough is a must to get the best results for your trees.

Can I prune large trees myself?

It is inadvisable to prune your own trees for several reasons, firstly health and safety. Tree surgeons are trained and licenced to use the machinery necessary as well as having the equipment and experience to climb safely. In addition, they carry sufficient insurance to cover any potential mishap encountered while carrying our tree pruning services. Homeowners risk being killed or injured falling out of trees, especially when using ladders to access the canopy rather than climbing with ropes, or being injured with improperly handled chainsaws. There is also the risk of being hit by falling branches.

It is illegal to damage trees with a Preservation Order or those containing bats or nesting birds. The penalties for disregarding these rules are severe, and booking a professional tree pruning service means you can avoid falling foul of these regulations.

What are the typical costs for a tree pruning service?

Take a Bough Tree Care give free quotations and expert assessments in response to every tree pruning service enquiry and will discuss your needs at that time. The eventual cost for Take A Bough’s tree pruning services will depend on the individual circumstances of the job but you can rest assured that your tree will receive expert and careful attention and that all the debris will be removed and disposed of in an environmentally approved site.

What should I look for in a tree surgery company?

Any tree surgeon should be properly licenced and insured and be able to make an accurate and knowledgeable assessment of the tree pruning service work your tree requires.

Customer review for our tree pruning service

Wondering whether we’re right for you? Below is a 5-star Google review Take A Bough received for our tree pruning service:

Fantastic service from Toby and team from initial consultation through to the end of the job.

On the day we had 3 large trees pruned, the team took great care to protect the pond and plants in the garden. The three trees are now a lovely shape and I can’t get over how well everything was chopped up and taken away, not even a leaf left on the lawn.

Would thoroughly recommended

We take great pride in offering the best local service around, and this is just one of many hugely positive reviews we receive from our clients.

Our tree pruning services for South West London

If you have trees in your London garden that need pruning or trimming, Take A Bough Tree Care would be delighted to offer free, expert advice on any aspect of tree care and work in the following areas – the London Boroughs of:

As well as the towns of:

Click above to give us a call about your tree trimming and pruning needs, we will be happy to advise!

Written by

Toby Douglas is the founder of Take A Bough Tree Care. After university in Aberystwyth, Toby made the decision to study Arboriculture at Merrist Wood, in Surrey. In 2001 he successfully completed a National Certificate in Horticulture, and a National Diploma in Arboriculture, then worked for two years subcontracting to large and respected companies in order to gain the practical experience to compete successfully for both private and corporate contacts once Take a Bough Tree Care was launched

"We recommend ‘Take A Bough’ unreservedly and would not even consider looking elsewhere if we needed more work carried out."
Ryan and Martha

How can our expert tree surgeons help you?

Read about the tree surgery methods and processes that can resolve your tree issues.