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Crown reduction and tree pruning in Rugby
Plenty of trees that seem to be "too big" don't need taking down. The right pruning can make a tree fit its space, let more light into the garden and take weight off long branches, while keeping it healthy. We'll tell you plainly what we'd cut and why before we start.
Both directors, Jaydon and Chris, are NPTC certified, and we carry public liability insurance.
Crown reduction
A crown reduction brings in the height and spread of a tree by cutting branches back to suitable points lower down, so the tree keeps a natural outline rather than looking chopped. It's useful when a tree is shading a garden, getting close to a building or carrying a lot of weight on long limbs. Not every tree responds well to heavy reduction, so we'll be honest if a lighter approach suits it better.
Pruning
Pruning is more selective. We take out dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches and anything rubbing or overhanging where it shouldn't. Clean cuts in the right places help the tree seal its wounds and grow back well.
Crown lifting
Crown lifting removes the lowest branches to give headroom over lawns, paths, drives and roofs, and to let light reach the ground under the tree. It changes the tree's shape less than a reduction does.
Pollarding
Pollarding cuts a tree back to the same points on a regular cycle. It suits certain species and needs keeping up once it's started. We can also help bring an old or badly pollarded tree back into a safer shape.
How we approach a pruning job
- We look at the tree with you: species, condition, and what you want to change.
- We check whether it's protected (see below).
- We explain the options in plain terms and agree exactly what will be cut.
- We do the work and clear away the branches. Jaydon or Chris is always part of the team on site, and more often than not it's both of them.
When is the best time?
Lots of pruning can be done at any time of year, but some species are better cut in particular seasons, and nesting birds are protected by law. We'll suggest timing that suits your tree.
Pruning a protected tree
Pruning counts as work on a tree, so if the tree has a Tree Preservation Order you'll normally need the council's consent before a reduction or lift, and in a conservation area you'll normally need to give six weeks' notice. Rugby Borough Council's pages explain what applies:
- Tree Preservation Orders – Rugby Borough Council
- Conservation areas – Rugby Borough Council
- Trees – Rugby Borough Council
Recent crown reduction and pruning jobs
Crown reduction on an overgrown garden tree in Rugby town centre
The tree had become overgrown, so we carried out a crown reduction. The customer was very happy, said it had made a massive difference to the garden, and said he would use us again.
Fruit tree crown reduced in Bilton, Rugby
The fruit tree had grown wide and dense, so we reduced its crown, cutting it back to a framework of its main branches. The tree is now much smaller and more open.
Crown reduction and pruning questions
Will a crown reduction harm my tree?
Done properly and not overdone, a reduction is a normal part of managing a tree. Taking off too much at once can stress it, which is why we agree a sensible amount with you first.
What's the difference between a reduction and a lift?
A reduction makes the whole canopy smaller. A lift only removes the lowest branches to give clearance underneath.
Can I cut back branches overhanging from my neighbour's tree?
Overhang questions can involve neighbours and, for protected trees, the council. Ask us when we visit and check the Rugby Borough Council pages above before any work on a protected tree.
Can you look at photos first?
Yes. WhatsApp or email us some pictures. See also our guide: Can you quote for tree work from photos?
Talk to us about your tree
We work across Rugby and nearby villages. Call, WhatsApp or email.