What is Tree Surgery?

Tree Surgery, Arborists, Arboricultural Services & Tree Care– A Deep Dive.

Tree surgery, in a nutshell, involves the cultivation, management, and study of trees, shrubs, and plants. It is a professional practice carried out by horticultural engineers specializing in arboriculture. Kestrel Arboricultural Services offers these services in East Suffolk and East Norfolk, covering areas such as Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, and Beccles.

Modern tree surgeons or arborists usually focus on the health of individual trees and plants rather than working with forests or large areas of plants. They are horticultural engineers who specialize in the care and repair of trees, which often includes climbing trees to reach areas that need attention.

Tree surgery has many aspects, which are detailed below:

Aspects of Tree Care – EXPLAINED…

Crown Reduction

Crown reduction is a service that aims to reduce the height or spread of a tree’s crown (the foliage-bearing sections). It may be done to reduce the stress on the tree or better size the tree to its environment. The final result retains the main framework of the crown and a significant proportion of the leaf-bearing structure but has a smaller outline, not necessarily being symmetrical for aesthetics alone.

When Kestrel undertakes crown reduction, they also ensure the removal of any broken or potentially dangerous deadwood and prune crossing branches to minimize the risk of infection within the tree. Note that not all species are suitable for this treatment, and crown reduction should not be confused with ‘topping,’ an indiscriminate and harmful treatment. Contact Kestrel for advice on whether crown reduction is appropriate for your tree.

Crown Lifting

Crown lifting involves the removal of the lowest branches and/or preparing lower branches for future removal. When Kestrel undertakes crown lifting, they ensure that large branches growing directly from the trunk are not removed, as this can cause large wounds that can become extensively decayed and lead to further long-term problems and short-term biomechanical instability in the tree.

It is important to note that crown lifting on older and mature trees should be avoided or restricted to secondary branches, with shortening preferred over entire removal.

Tree Felling

Tree felling refers to the process of cutting down a tree. Skilled tree surgeons can make this job look easy, but it can be dangerous and should be left to professionals. Kestrel typically uses a chainsaw for tree felling. The use of a chainsaw and other cutting tools is one reason tree felling can be risky and dangerous.

Before cutting the tree, the team at Kestrel puts in a lot of planning to ensure the tree falls safely without causing damage. They consider the slope of the ground, the lean of the tree, and its height. Then they choose the correct technique for cutting the tree, as not all trees can be cut the same way. A skilled tree surgeon knows the different types of cuts and notches that may need to be used.

Finally, the force with which a tree falls should not be underestimated. And the fall itself can involve unexpected movements of various types of debris. For example, limbs may break and make contact with other parts of the environment, causing a risk. This can put a person or the surrounding area in danger. The moral of the story is if you need a tree felling, call a professional like Kestrel to undertake the task for you!

Tree Stump and Root Removal

After a tree has been felled, it’s often necessary to remove the stump and roots separately. This removal is typically a straightforward service. Kestrel employs a stump grinding machine to grind the remaining tree parts left in the ground. In some cases, full stump removal isn’t required, and the stump can be treated to prevent tree re-growth.

Hedge Trimming and Reduction

Hedge cutting can be more challenging than it appears, which is why many people choose professional hedge trimming and reduction services. When Kestrel performs a trim, your hedge will be left professionally sculpted. Their years of experience ensure that your hedge will look attractive and well-maintained.

Pollarding

Pollarding, traditionally a woodland management method, has become a core service in arboriculture. It involves removing all branches and limbs, leaving only the trunk and major limb frameworks. This allows the tree to re-grow and achieve a well-maintained appearance. Kestrel has extensive experience in pollarding in the East Norfolk and Suffolk areas.

Tree Branch and Limb Removal

This service involves pruning or removing some tree limbs without fully reducing or lifting the crown. It’s often necessary when branches have crossed or extended over set boundaries. The process aims to remove only the parts necessary to ensure the tree’s healthy stability.

Deadwooding

As a tree grows, some branches may die naturally. Deadwooding is the removal of significant dead limbs and branches from a tree. Causes of deadwooding include light deficiency, pests, disease, and damage to tree roots. Contact Kestrel for a free expert consultation if you’re experiencing issues with your tree growing.

Contact Kestrel for Tree Surgery Services

To learn more about Kestrel’s arboriculture services and tree surgery processes or to ask any questions, please get in touch with their local expert team in Lowestoft. Call them at 01502 385052, or email them at info@kestrelarb.co.uk, and they will respond as soon as possible.

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