Tree Crown Reduction vs Crown Thinning: What Is the Difference? If a tree has become too large, casts too much shade or has developed a particularly dense canopy, professional pruning may be the answer. However, many homeowners assume that tree crown reduction and tree crown thinning are simply different names for the same service. They are not. Each technique has a distinct purpose, removes growth in a different way and delivers different results. Choosing the wrong method can affect the long-term health, appearance and structural stability of a tree. At Hands on Tree Care, we regularly advise homeowners, landlords, schools and commercial property owners throughout Sheffield, Chesterfield and the surrounding areas on the most appropriate pruning techniques. Our aim is always to preserve the tree wherever possible while making it safer, healthier and better suited to its surroundings. This guide explains the difference between tree crown reduction and crown thinning, […]
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The Advantages of Pollarding Trees
I’m Tony Hands, owner of Hands on Tree Care. I have seen first-hand the benefits of pollarding trees across a wide range of environments. From managing large trees in urban spaces to improving the long-term health of mature trees, pollarding is a trusted management technique rooted in traditional arboriculture and backed by modern tree experts. At Hands on Tree Care, we specialise in pollarding all types of trees, delivering safe and efficient pollarding that protects both your property and the wider environment. What Is Pollarding and How Does It Differ From Other Pruning Techniques Tree pollarding is a pruning technique where the upper branches of a tree are removed back to a set framework, creating what are known as pollard heads. Unlike crown thinning or crown reduction, which selectively remove branches, the pollarding process is more structured and cyclical. This ancient technique differs from topping, which can damage a tree’s […]
Read More...Branching Out: The Benefits of Professional Tree Pruning in Beighton
Branching Out: The Benefits of Professional Tree Pruning in Beighton Tree pruning plays a vital role in keeping gardens, green spaces, and wider landscapes safe, attractive, and healthy. In Beighton, where mature trees sit alongside modern housing and long-established properties, regular tree pruning is not a luxury but an essential part of responsible tree care. At Hands on Tree Care, we provide a professional tree pruning service in Beighton that focuses on long-term tree health, structural safety, and visual improvement. As experienced tree surgeons, our work is centred on careful assessment, skilled pruning techniques, and a deep understanding of how trees respond to cutting. Tree work in Beighton, Sheffield requires a considered approach that balances aesthetics with arboricultural best practice, especially where large trees, protected species, or overgrown canopies are involved. The importance of tree pruning for long term tree health Tree pruning is far more than simply cutting […]
Read More...Crown Reduction in Sheffield -Letting The Light In
At Hands on Tree Care, we’re often approached by homeowners in the Sheffield and Chesterfield areas who are seeking to improve the light and health of the trees on their property. This was the case for a recent customer of ours who had a large Beech tree dominating the front garden of their home in Beauchief, Sheffield. The Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) was a mature, towering specimen that had grown to impressive proportions over the years. While the tree was undoubtedly an impressive sight, the dense canopy was beginning to block a significant amount of natural light from reaching the customer’s front garden. This was causing issues for some of the shrubs and other smaller plants that had been carefully cultivated in the bed beneath the tree’s sprawling branches. Tree Assessment After conducting a thorough assessment of the tree, our team of qualified arborists determined that a crown reduction would […]
Read More...The Essential Guide to Pollarding Lime Trees
In the realm of urban forestry, the lime tree, known for its lush foliage and stately presence, plays a pivotal role in enhancing our cityscapes. Among the many tree care practices, pollarding stands out as a crucial technique, particularly for lime trees. This article looks at the significance of pollarding lime trees, its benefits, and why it’s a vital practice for maintaining the health and aesthetics of our urban green spaces. Understanding Pollarding and Its Importance for Lime Trees What is Pollarding? Pollarding is a pruning technique involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree. This method encourages a dense head of foliage and branches, which is particularly beneficial for lime trees in urban settings. Why Pollard Lime Trees? Disease Management Lime trees can be susceptible to various ailments. Regular pollarding helps in the early detection and control of these issues. Safety Measures In city areas, uncontrolled branch […]
Read More...The Importance of Pollarding Ash Trees
Ash trees, a staple in the Sheffield landscape, hold significant ecological and aesthetic value. However, to maintain their health and ensure public safety, a process known as pollarding is often necessary. This traditional method, deployed by Hands on Tree Care, is not just a matter of routine maintenance; it’s a crucial step in sustaining the urban forest within our city. Why Pollard Ash Trees? Pollarding is a type of Pruning practice of removing the upper branches of a tree, is essential for several reasons: Disease Management Ash trees are susceptible to various diseases, such as ash dieback. Regular pollarding helps in the early detection and management of these diseases. Safety In urban areas like Sheffield, overgrown branches can pose a risk to buildings, power lines, and pedestrians. Pollarding keeps this growth in check. Aesthetic Appeal Pollarded trees often have a distinctive shape that contributes to Sheffield’s unique cityscape. Known as […]
Read More...Tulip Tree Thinned
We were recently called out to A 25-year-old Tulip Tree located in Crookes In the heart of Sheffield. the tree presented a common problem, overgrowth. Originally planted as an anniversary gift, had become a towering presence in a homeowner’s garden. While the tree had been pruned once, six years ago, it had now grown to a size that overshadowed the garden, limiting light and space. A lot of people are surprised that Tulip Trees can grow in the UK. But like many species, with the right positioning and soil, a Tulip Tree can grow and thrive in the UK. Hands on Tree Care were called upon to assess the situation and provide a solution that would breathe new life into this cherished Tulip Tree and the overall garden space. Assessing the Tulip Tree’s Challenge The homeowner’s concern was clear, although the Tulip Tree had outgrown its allotted space, they wanted […]
Read More...The Ultimate Guide to Tree Pruning: Best Practices for Tree Surgeons
“The Ultimate Guide to Tree Pruning: Best Practices for Tree Surgeons”: Tony Hands – Hands on Tree Care Importance of tree pruning for tree health and safety Tree pruning is important for tree health and safety for several reasons: Structural Integrity: Pruning helps to maintain the proper structure of trees by removing dead, diseased, or weak branches. This helps to reduce the risk of branch failure or tree collapse, especially during storms or other adverse weather conditions. Proper pruning promotes a balanced and stable tree structure, which is crucial for the long-term health and safety of trees. Tree Health: Pruning can improve the overall health of trees by promoting better air circulation, sunlight penetration, and nutrient distribution throughout the canopy. This can help to reduce the risk of fungal infections, insect infestations, and other diseases that may spread in crowded or shaded tree canopies. Pruning also stimulates new growth and […]
Read More...Best practice for tree pruning
This article looks at Why tree pruning is important and offers 10 handy tips on best practice for tree pruning. Hopefully, once you’ve read it you will have a good understanding of what is needed to properly care for trees and hedges. Tree pruning is important for tree health and safety for several reasons: Structural Integrity: Pruning helps to maintain the proper structure of trees by removing dead, diseased, or weak branches. This helps to reduce the risk of branch failure or tree collapse, especially during storms or other adverse weather conditions. Proper pruning promotes a balanced and stable tree structure, which is crucial for the long-term health and safety of trees. Tree Health: Pruning can improve the overall health of trees by promoting better air circulation, sunlight penetration, and nutrient distribution throughout the canopy. This can help to reduce the risk of fungal infections, insect infestations, and other diseases […]
Read More...Pollarding Ash Trees
Pollarding Ash Trees – Tony Hands, Sheffield Tree Surgeon. Pollarding is a type of tree pruning involving the removal of upper branches. Pollarding is a long-established form of tree management and can preserve an ash tree for a time whilst making it safer. Pollarding Ash trees is something we are doing more of in recent years. As mentioned above, Pollarding an ash tree involves taking the tree back to previous pruning points, this promotes the regrow that growth of a more compact canopy. It is also an effective method of reducing the amount of shade cast by the tree. Here’s a recent example of an ash Tree that Hands on Tree Care were called out to deal with during the spring. Warning: a pollarded tree can look harsh, but trees will soon recover. Before Pollarding This Ash tree was one we had pollarded before. After Pollarding new branches begin to return within a few weeks. After just […]
Read More...Field Maple Tree Pruning in Derby
Tree Pruning is a huge part of a Tree Surgeon‘s job. People tend to think that we only cut down trees but that’s not the case at all. You might have guessed that’s why we are called Hands on Tree Care, The emphasis is on care. Pruning is essential to trees’ well-being and longevity in our modern environment. Trees in the woods and forests live by natural law, they grow the way they naturally will and they sustain damage from animals and the weather until they die. however, in the managed environment of human property, such as farms, villages, towns and cities trees have to be closely looked after to ensure that they don’t become a hazard to both people and property. In this instance, we were called to look at a Field Maple Tree. Pruning a Field Maple Tree in Derby The tree had grown bushy over time and […]
Read More...Lime Tree Pollarding
Lime Tree Pollarding, Sheffield – Tony Hands, Tree Surgeon, Hands-on Tree Care Hands on Tree Care were called out to look at this Lime Tree. We knew the customer in question, they had been a repeat customer of ours for the last 8 years. Indeed we had pollarded this tree before. As well as pollarding the Lime tree they asked us to also carry out a crown reduction of a copper beech tree in the back garden. Which would then allow more light into owners and the neighbouring gardens. Limes Need Re-Pollarding Regularly Lime tree pollarding should be carried out every 4 years as branches can become too long and prone to snapping due to the weight of the timber. You will regularly see Lime trees being pollarded on residential avenues and Church pathways where they make a popular and leafy addition to the look and feel of the street. […]
Read More...Willow Tree Crown Reduction
Willow Tree Crown Reduction, Sheffield – Tony Hands, Tree Surgeon, Hands-on Tree Care Hands on Tree Care were called out to look at this large willow tree which had started to drop branches due to the weight of the limbs. Something that can be quite common in a mature tree such as this. Upon closer inspection, we found that there was also quite a lot of deadwood in the canopy of the willow tree which required removal to prevent the potential hazard from falling branches. Crown Reduction Carried out We reduced the crown (a type of Pruning ) of the tree by 30%, and the crown was lifted to allow adequate clearance underneath for the householder to mow the lawn without becoming ensnared in low hanging branches. Obviously, Hands on Tree Care are champions for the Aesthetic of trees, but this also has to be balanced with a level of […]
Read More...Poplar Tree Pollarded in Sheffield
As you can see, the poplar tree in the back garden of a Sheffield homeowner had become very overgrown. Hands on Tree Care were called to assess the tree and to quote for the job. The Poplar needed re pollarding due to concerns of the customer that overhanging limbs may be becoming too heavy and cause damage to their neighbours’ shed which was located underneath part of the canopy. The customer’s concerns were very valid. If you have a tree in your garden or on your property it is your responsibility to manage it. Any damage caused by the tree dropping boughs or branches could lead to compensation claims against you. This is why it’s very important to manage the trees on your property. Tree Cutting – Access Permissions The tree-bordered 3 gardens so access and permissions were needed to be granted by all 3 neighbouring properties. we always advise […]
Read More...Tree Cutting Service – Hands On Tree Care
As Tree Surgeons, Hands-on Tree Care offers a wide range of tree cutting services. Tree cutting is just a broad term used to cover all type of Tree work. To learn more about our tree cutting services simply click the links above. Tree Cutting Services For Sheffield & Chesterfield Do you have a tree that needs felling, removing or pruning? Hands on Tree Care are a quick and responsive tree surgeon based near you! We are proud to offer quality Tree services across the region. Our team of expert tree surgeons will visit your property and give you an accurate quote for tree work. If you need a tree felling or pruning, We are happy to help. You can trust Hands on Tree Care to do a fantastic job. Our team is fully insured and fully qualified, with Chas, Construction Line, CSCS and Lantra certifications. You can read positive reviews […]
Read More...Walnut Tree Crown Reduction – Chesterfield
Walnut tree crown reduction, Chesterfield – Hands on Tree Care. Hands on Tree Care were recently called out to perform a crown reduction on two walnut trees in Chesterfield. These Walnut trees were planted in the clients front garden. The owner of the property felt that the Walnut trees had grown far too large and that they were preventing light from reaching their vegetable patch and greenhouse. Walnut Trees Walnut trees were originally grown in the UK so their nut could be harvested. Later, the trees were grown for timber. The timber produced from the walnut tree is a hardwood which is used to make quality furniture and other products. The heartwood ranges from light to dark brown and can sometimes even be streaked with green and purple, the outer wood ranges from pale yellow to a creamy white. The Walnut tree is also believed to have a wide variety […]
Read More...Oak Tree Thinned in Chesterfield
Oak Tree Thinned in Chesterfield – Hands on Tree Care. Hands on Tree Care were recently called out to Chatsworth Rd in Chesterfield. The tree we were called to prune was a mature Oak (approx 150 years old and 30 meters high. The work required permission from the council as it was under a TPO / tree preservation order. What is a Tree Preservation Order? A Tree preservation order. … or TPO, is made by a local planning authority (usually the local council) to protect specific trees or a particular area, group of trees or woodland area from deliberate damage and destruction. TPOs are usually applied where it is deemed that those trees are important for the benefit of the local area. We submitted a tree work application, made on the clients’ behalf. Once we got the go-ahead to commence pruning, work was carried out on the removal of deadwood […]
Read More...Crown Thinning Lime Trees In Chesterfield
Crown Thinning Lime Trees In Chesterfield: Hands on Tree Care. We were asked to carry out Crown thinning on a stand of Lime Trees that were growing on the edge of a Corner property in Chesterfield. The Three Lime trees had grown very tall, and though Lime trees are amongst some of the most handsome British trees they can have very dense foliage. It’s for that reason that lime trees are popular candidates for heavy pruning such as Pollarding or Crown thinning.
Read More...Maple Trees Pollarded in Dronfield
We were called out to look at some maple trees in Dronfield recently. We are based in Barlow just outside Dronfield, so it was an ideal job. The Maple Trees were growing in the back garden and they were last pollarded 2 years ago but by a different company. They were unavailable this time, and they wanted a Dronfield Tree Surgeon. so Hands on tree care were ready to pick up the work.
Read More...Re-pollarding a tree in Chesterfield
Re-pollarding a tree is a job that only happens every few years. Re-pollarding is a type of pruning which removes unwanted new growth after the initial pollarding a few years earlier. Once a tree has been pollarded the growth seems to take a long time to reappear. However, once the new shoots do come through the tree will quickly regain much of its foliage quickly. This Poplar tree in Chesterfield, Derbyshire is a good example of a tree that is under regular management.
Read More...Several Trees Removed – Darley Dale
We removed several trees in Darley Dale, near Matlock. The homeowner knew of our services and had opted to contact Hands on Tree Care based on positive reviews he’d read.
Read More...Trees Pollarded – Student Property in Broomhall
Hands on Tree Care were called out to look at some trees that needed pollarding at Sheffield student properties Broomhall Area S10. This was a large job requiring an application to prune trees in the conservation area. We had to liaise with Sheffield City Council, as the process of application and permission usually takes 6 weeks. Hands on Tree Care held a site meeting held with the council’s tree officer to address the concerns of the local residents’ committee.
Read More...Damaged Trees Pruned
Get your damaged trees pruned safely by the experts. We were called out to prune this mature Cedar Tree that had a lot of collapsed branches due to storm damage from high winds. Damaged branches need removing because the possibility of them falling on people below creates a high risk. Once the tree was pruned, we thinned out the remaining tree canopy because many of the limbs were old and heavy. The older heavy branches were at risk of further limb breakage. Damaged Trees Pruned & Thinned If the trees on your property are overgrown or damaged, don’t wait, call Hands on Tree Care today. Hands on Tree Care offer an expert tree pruning service. We are fully insured and will prune your trees safely and efficiently. Our fully qualified Tree Surgeons will assess the trees and choose the safest method of pruning and limb removal.
Read More...Weeping Willow Pollarded – Sheffield
Our customer had a large Weeping Willow that was situated close to the Riverbank. They called us in to reduce the size of the Willow tree. They wanted to improve the view in their garden and open up a view of the river. The Weeping Willow was around 80 years old and around 65ft tall. We decided the best method of pruning for this tree would be pollarding. Pollarding is reducing the length of branches to major trunks. This encourages younger growth. Pruning Willow Trees We recommend that a tree of this size should be pollarded every 5-6 years. Willow trees are fast-growing and will re-sprout after hard pruning in the spring. These trees have an affinity to water so caution should be used if planting in proximity to domestic water pipes or house foundations as can cause subsidence. How to Prune a Weeping Willow Pruning a Willow is essential for its […]
Read More...Silver Birch Pruned in Wingerworth Chesterfield
Silver Birch Pruned in Wingerworth Chesterfield: Hands on Tree Care. We were called out to Wingerworth in Chesterfield to prune a Silver Birch tree. The silver birch was about 60 years old and 70 feet tall. The homeowners asked us to prune the tree because it was blocking light from reaching their garden. This beautiful weeping birch tree just needed some thinning out, so that it would let more light through to the garden. It’s important to note that silver birch trees can be quite shallow-rooted, so it’s good to keep the crown thinned out to avoid the tree becoming top-heavy and potentially toppling over. When to Prune a Silver Birch Tree Pruning a silver birch will improve the health of your garden. Thinning out the branches allows more light and wind into the garden, which gives nearby plants more light and strengthens their stems. The best time to prune […]
Read More...Poplar Trees Reduced in Height
Poplar Trees Reduced in Height: Hands on Tree Care. Hands on Tree Care were called to Chesterfield to reduce the height of several Poplar trees. The trees were approx 100ft to 40ft tall, and growing in a private garden. The Householder was concerned that the trees had become too tall. Recent high winds had swayed the trees, and the householder was concerned that they may cause damage to either their property or to their neighbours’ property. Trees make a natural boundary. Tree roots can disturb the ground, fences, patios and buildings on the neighbouring land. Pruning Overgrown Poplar Trees Poplars can be hard pruned and will grow back quickly, they are a very fast growing species. We always look at each job individually to decide what is the best way to prune or fell a tree. In this case, we used a sectional dismantling technique to reduce the height of […]
Read More...Overgrown Conifer Hedge – Pruned.
We were called out to a house in Chesterfield to look at a very overgrown Conifer hedge. The Hedge had grown up to a height of approximately 12 meters in height and 75 meters long. The hedge was mature and would have taken around 15-20 years to reach this height. Annual pruning would have prevented this level of overgrowth. We were asked to reduce hedge as our customer’s neighbours had recently had solar panels fitted to their roof and were unable to get any benefit due to shade caused by an overgrown hedge. Hands on Tree Care use a sectional dismantling technique to reduce the height of the hedge. Once we had trimmed the hedge to the desired height, cut the trunks into logs and removed all the cut branches. Best time to Prune an Overgrown Conifer Hedge Conifers hedges should be cut Spring/Summer to prevent frost damage which can cause […]
Read More...Tree Pruning Advice
We are often asked for tree Pruning advice. Pruning is often done in Spring / Summer to reduce the volume of new growth to allow more light into the ground below. Pruning your trees allows for more balanced growth and also encourages denser, bushier growth of new branches. Hands on Tree Care perform many different types of pruning. We can prune all types of Trees and hedges. Below is a list of the most common types of Pruning we are asked to carry out. Contact us for a FREE Tree Pruning Quote Today. Crown Thinning The removal of a small portion of medium and small branches throughout the crown of the tree. Thinning produces a uniform density of foliage around an evenly spaced branch structure it should reduce the density of the crown without drastically altering the shape of the tree. • Thinning also allows more light to pass through […]
Read More...Conifer Crown Reduction For Sheffield Care Home
Hands on Tree Care were called to a Sheffield Care home to manage some conifer trees that had gotten out of control. Crown Reduction for Leylandii Firstly, there was a large Conifer in the front garden. The Conifer was a Leylandii tree and it was blocking the light from the property. This made the house dark during the day. The Tree needed a Crown Reduction. By trimming the tree we allowed more light into the house, which also made the front rooms warmer.
Read More...Pollarding Trees – Sheffield
Pollarding Trees – Sheffield Hands on Tree Care were called out to a job in Cinderhill Sheffield. Belvoir Lettings had a property with trees that had become overgrown. Firstly we had to tackle a large Willow Tree that had grown too large and too close to the house.
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