If you’re new to the world of tree surgery, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the jargon and terminology used in the industry. From terms like “crown reduction” to “coppicing,” it can be challenging to keep up with all the different terms and what they mean. Here we’ll break down some common tree surgery terminology and explain what each term entails.
Let’s start with one of the most common terms used in tree surgery – “crown reduction.” Crown reduction involves removing selected branches throughout the crown of a tree to reduce its overall size and shape. This technique is often used to improve the aesthetic appearance of a tree, reduce wind resistance, or prevent branches from interfering with nearby structures. It’s important to note that crown reduction should be done carefully by trained professionals to avoid damaging the tree.
Another term you may come across in tree surgery is “pollarding.” Pollarding is a pruning technique where all branches are removed from a young tree at a certain height above ground level. This encourages new growth at that height, creating a dense head of foliage. Pollarding is often used on trees in urban areas to control their size and shape while promoting healthy growth.
When it comes to rejuvenating an older or overgrown tree, you may hear the term “coppicing.” Coppicing involves cutting a tree back to ground level, allowing new shoots to grow from the base. This technique is commonly used on species like willow and hazel and can help revitalise old trees while promoting biodiversity in woodland areas.
If you have a tree that needs some extra support or stabilisation, you may need to consider “bracing” or “cabling.” Bracing involves installing rigid supports within a tree’s canopy to prevent weak limbs from breaking under their own weight. Cabling uses flexible steel cables attached between limbs to redistribute stress and weight throughout the tree. Both techniques can help prolong the life of a tree and prevent damage during storms or high winds.
Here is a complete breakdown of all tree surgeon terminology
Crown Thinning
When it comes to maintaining healthy trees, crown thinning is an essential practice. This term refers to the removal of smaller branches, which are located at the outer crown of the tree. By pruning these branches, you can promote denser foliage while achieving an evenly spaced branch structure. Crown thinning is mainly used on broad-leaved species of trees and does not alter the main body of the tree in shape or size.
This practice also allows more sunlight to pass through the tree’s branches and improves airflow, which is vital for the tree’s health and longevity. So, if you want your trees to be healthy and beautiful, consider crown thinning- your trees will thank you!
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is an important technique used in tree management. This method involves reducing the height and spread of the tree crown while maintaining its main framework. The cuts used during the crown reduction should not exceed 100 mm in diameter to ensure the tree’s health is not compromised.
This method is useful in reducing mechanical stress on specific branches or the whole tree and minimising the effects of light loss and shading. The resulting outline of the tree after the crown reduction may be smaller, but the structure will remain similar to the original, with the added benefit of being better suited to its environment.
Crown Lifting / Crown Raising
Crown lifting, also known as crown raising, is an essential practice for any tree owner looking to provide more light to areas under their tree while also increasing accessibility to the area. This method involves removing or preparing to remove the lowest branches of a tree’s crown to enable light to reach the ground below. However, it’s important to note that crown lifting does not include removing larger branches that grow directly from the tree’s trunk.
Removing these can cause more harm than good and lead to long-term issues. It’s crucial to avoid crown lifting on older, more mature trees. If necessary, the process should be restricted to the shortening of primary and secondary branches instead of their complete removal. Overall, crown lifting is a helpful technique but should be done with caution to ensure the tree’s health and longevity.
Adaptive Growth
Adaptive growth is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs in trees when they experience stress concentrations in their structure. Such stress could be caused by environmental factors such as strong winds, pests or even disease. However, instead of giving up and succumbing to the stress, trees have evolved a unique way of coping – they grow new branches!
This adaptation allows trees to distribute the stress concentration evenly across different areas of the tree, promoting both survival and growth. With adaptive growth, the tree not only becomes stronger and more resilient but also more beautiful, as each branch is unique in its growth pattern. It truly is inspiring to witness how nature finds a way to adapt and overcome adversity.
Epicormic Growth
Trees are a wonder of nature. They not only provide us with oxygen but also offer us a serene respite and provide a habitat to the birds and other animals. However, sometimes we see trees that look out of place – with shoots sprouting seemingly out of nowhere, from the trunk or branches.
These are examples of adventitious/epicormic growth – the sometimes beautiful, sometimes unsightly, growth that arises directly from the tree’s main branches or trunks. It isn’t harmful to the tree, but it does require pruning to maintain a neat appearance.
Arboriculture
Arboriculture is the practice and study of caring for trees, and it’s an important aspect of landscaping. It’s no secret that trees bring vitality and beauty to our surroundings, but they also play a critical role in our ecosystem.
Arboriculture involves maintaining the health and safety of trees, as well as improving their aesthetic appeal. From pruning to disease control, arboriculturists undertake a wide range of tasks to ensure trees thrive in urban and rural environments. As we continue to recognise the value of trees in our communities, the importance of arboriculture is only expected to grow.
Tree Felling
Tree felling is a difficult decision that many homeowners and property owners face when they have exhausted all other options. While it may seem extreme, sometimes removing a tree completely and leaving a stump is the only solution to ensure the safety of your family and property. Perhaps the tree is diseased or has suffered irreparable damage from a storm. Whatever the reason, it’s important to hire a professional tree removal service that can handle the job safely and efficiently.
They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to carefully cut down the tree, remove the stump, and make sure there is no damage to the surrounding area. While it may be a last resort, tree felling can restore safety and peace of mind to your property.
Tree Crown Raise / Life
When it comes to maintaining the health and appearance of your trees, a crown raise is an excellent option to consider. Crown raising involves the careful removal of selected lower branches, effectively raising the bottom of the crown to a uniform level. This process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your trees, but it also promotes proper growth and development.
By removing any overhanging branches, you can create a safe and visually appealing environment for your family and guests to enjoy. So if you’re looking to improve the look and health of your trees, consider a crown raise today.
Tree Pollarding
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “tree pollarding”? Some might be confused or unfamiliar with the term, but for tree enthusiasts, it’s an essential technique and tool to maintain trees’ health and aesthetics. Pollarding involves intentionally removing all the growth from the branches back to the main trunk, leaving the primary branches to form a skeletal structure.
This method is especially useful for trees that have been overgrown in urban areas, where they might interfere with power lines or buildings’ structures. Not only does tree pollarding help maintain a tree’s health, but it also provides a unique and striking look that sets it apart from the rest.
Formative Prune
Formative pruning is an important process that helps to maintain the balance and structure of young trees. It involves minimal pruning, which is carried out in the early stages of the tree’s development. The aim of this process is to prevent the tree from developing structural issues, which can lead to its collapse or damage in future.
By pruning the tree when it is young, you can create a strong and stable tree that will grow to its full potential. Formative pruning is an essential part of tree care, and it requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure the best results.
Tree Trim or Shear
When it comes to maintaining the appearance of your trees, tree trimming can go a long way. Trimming or shearing can be done to remove excess growth and shape your trees into your desired look. Pruning back to flatten or round off growth can help keep your trees looking tidy and well-maintained.
Regular tree trimming can even improve the health of your trees by removing dead or diseased branches. So if you’re looking to give your outdoor space a little TLC, consider getting your trees trimmed and see the difference it can make!
Tree Brace
Trees are essential to our environment, not only do they provide us with oxygen, but they also offer a plethora of benefits. However, trees can also be potentially dangerous if their branch or limb structure is weak. In such cases, a tree brace can be a saviour.
A tree brace is a support system that comes in different designs to suit your tree’s needs. It can help provide extra support for your tree’s branches or limb structure, promote healing after pruning, and prevent further damage to the tree. Not only does a tree brace ensure the safety of people and property around the tree, but it also prevents the tree from breaking or growing in a direction that isn’t ideal.
Tree Stump Grinding
Stump grinding is the process of using a wood chipper to remove the stump of a tree. It’s an effective way to get rid of an unsightly stump that can be hazardous and take up valuable space. With stump grinding, the wood chipper grinds the stump into small wood chips that can be used as mulch or disposed of.
Not only does this method remove the stump, but it also helps to prevent any regrowth from the remaining roots. It’s important to hire professionals to complete the task, as it can be dangerous for the inexperienced. Stump grinding is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly solution for those looking to eliminate tree stumps from their property.
Deadwood Removal
Deadwood removal is a crucial task that should not be ignored by any tree owner. It involves the removal of dead, dying, or diseased branches from a tree, providing it with the care that it needs to remain healthy and beautiful. These branches may seem harmless, but they can pose a significant risk to the tree and the people and property surrounding it.
Deadwood can also attract insects and diseases that can spread to other parts of the tree or even neighbouring trees. By investing in deadwood removal, you can ensure that your tree stays vibrant and that you’re creating a safer environment for everyone.
Branchwood/Brash/Brushwood
Branchwood refers to the branches and foliage that are removed from a tree. While it may seem like waste to some, branchwood can actually be quite useful. It can be repurposed into firewood, used as a decorative element in gardens or even sculpted into beautiful works of art.
Removing excess branches and foliage can help improve the overall health and appearance of a tree. So while it may be sad to see a tree lose some of its branches, there can be a silver lining in the form of branchwood.
Cable Bracing
When it comes to maintaining the beauty and health of your trees, cable bracing can be an effective solution to support weaker branches. This technique involves using either hardware or synthetic rope to provide structural support to branches that might not be able to withstand heavy winds or pressure.
Cable bracing is often used in mature trees, where branches may start to droop and pose a potential hazard to the surrounding area. With the right hardware or synthetic rope, cable bracing can be easily installed and offer long-lasting protection for your trees. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the natural beauty of your landscape while ensuring safety for everyone around!
Coppicing
Coppicing is an ancient method of tree management that has been used for centuries. When a tree is coppiced, the main growth is cut down to a stump. The tree then sprouts multiple new shoots, which grow into separate branches. This technique is often used to produce a sustainable source of wood for fuel, fencing, and other purposes.
Practised in areas around the world, it is an efficient way to encourage regeneration of trees. Regular coppicing helps to maintain biodiversity in woodland areas, as it encourages the growth of various types of plants and wildlife. Whether you are a conservationist or an avid gardener, coppicing is a fascinating technique worth learning more about.
Lion Tailing
Lion tailing may sound like a fierce and powerful technique, but in reality, it can be quite damaging to trees. This improper pruning technique involves removing too many inner branches, leaving just a few at the end of the branch like the tuft of hair on a lion’s tail. By doing this, the tree is left with less foliage to photosynthesize and support its weight, which can lead to long-term health problems.
Trees that have been lion-tailed also become more susceptible to pests and diseases, as the removal of too many inner branches can leave them more vulnerable to attacks. So while the idea of a lion’s tail may be visually striking, it’s important to remember that when it comes to pruning, less can definitely be more.
Tree Painting or Sealing
The beauty of trees is undeniable. They provide shade, oxygen, and a natural home for countless animals. But just like any living being, trees can become injured or wounded. That’s where tree painting comes in. This centuries-old practice involves covering tree cuts or wounds with bitumen-based paint. It not only helps to protect the tree from harmful elements but also adds an artistic touch to any garden or landscape.
