Pruning: Pruning is one of the most common tree management operations and involves the selective removal of branches to improve a tree's health, structure, safety and appearance. It can be used to remove dead, diseased or damaged growth, reduce the risk of branch failure, improve clearance from buildings and highways, or encourage the development of a strong and balanced crown.

When carried out correctly, pruning helps maintain the long-term condition of a tree whilst ensuring it remains suitable for its surroundings. All pruning works should be undertaken in accordance with BS3998 recommendations and current arboricultural best practice to minimise stress and promote healthy growth.

Pollarding: Pollarding is a specialist pruning technique used to manage the size and structure of certain tree species. The process involves removing the upper crown back to predetermined pollard points, encouraging the development of a dense framework of new shoots. Once established, these shoots are managed through a cyclical pruning programme to maintain the tree at a suitable size.

Pollarding can be an effective way of controlling growth where space is limited, reducing the risk of branch failure and prolonging the useful life of a tree. It is most successful when carried out on appropriate species and maintained on a regular basis by experienced arborists.

Crown lifting: Crown lifting is the selective removal of lower branches to increase clearance beneath the canopy of a tree. This type of pruning is commonly undertaken to provide safe access for pedestrians and vehicles, improve visibility, increase light penetration and prevent branches from obstructing roads, footpaths, buildings or other structures.

When carried out correctly, crown lifting can improve the functionality of a tree within its surroundings whilst maintaining its natural shape and long-term health. All crown lifting works should be undertaken in accordance with BS3998 recommendations and current arboricultural best practice.

Limb removal: Limb removal involves the selective pruning of individual branches to improve safety, manage tree growth or address site-specific requirements. Branches may be removed to provide clearance from buildings, roads, footpaths and utilities, reduce end-weight, improve crown balance, manage storm damage or remove defective growth.

When undertaken correctly, limb removal can help maintain the structural integrity of a tree whilst reducing potential risks and ensuring it remains appropriate for its surroundings.

Tree Felling: Tree felling is the controlled removal of a tree and may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including poor health, structural defects, storm damage, development requirements or where a tree has outgrown its location and can no longer be safely retained. Depending on the site constraints, trees may be felled in one operation or carefully dismantled in sections using specialist techniques and equipment, including Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).

At Leicester Tree Care, we recognise the importance of trees and the benefits they provide to our environment. Wherever possible, we will always seek to retain and manage healthy trees through appropriate arboricultural practices. Where removal is unavoidable, we are happy to discuss replacement planting and suitable replanting options to help maintain the long-term tree cover of the site.

Tree Winching: Tree winching is a specialist arboricultural technique used to apply controlled pulling force during tree work operations. Winches can assist with the safe felling of trees, the removal of storm-damaged or unstable trees, and the controlled movement of large branches or timber sections where conventional methods may not be suitable.

By carefully directing the forces applied to a tree, winching can improve safety, increase control and help arborists undertake complex operations in challenging environments. Tree winching is often used alongside rigging equipment, sectional dismantling techniques and specialist access equipment to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently.