A Simple Guide to Tree Surgery Terms

Tree Surgery Terms – A Glossary

You may know that your trees need some attention, but might have no idea what needs doing or what to ask for… Rest assured that in your first consultation with us our expert tree surgeons will talk you through exactly what needs doing and what it all means in plain English. But if you want the confidence of understanding the key terminology before you speak to us, have a read through our guide below! If you’re still not sure, just get in touch and we will happily answer any questions you may have.

Adaptive Growth

This is where a tree increases growth in one area to compensate for forces acting against it. This is sometimes also known as reactive growth or reaction wood.

Arboriculture

Arboriculture is the science of understanding how trees grow and respond to their environment. Through this understanding, Arborists (often called ‘tree surgeons’) are trained to effectively care for and manage trees. This is usually referred to as ‘tree surgery’.

Arisings

Arisings refer to the debris caused by tree works, such as twigs and branches. You may also hear this referred to as branchwood, brushwood or brash.

Bracing

Bracing is where cable or rod ‘braces’ are installed to hold branches in place to protect the tree from damage related to weather or the weight of the foliage.

Branch Bark Ridge and Collar

This is the fork in the tree, where the main branches attach to the trunk. It is often a darker, thicker part of the branch.

Buttress Roots

Buttress roots are the large, wide roots you’ll see at the base of a tree trunk.

Callus

If a tree is properly pruned or otherwise ‘wounded’, it should develop callus tissue over the wound to protect it from disease. Woundwood then grows behind the callus to allow normal wood to continue forming.

Cavity

A cavity is a hole in a tree trunk, usually caused by decay as a result of damage or improper pruning.

Co-dominant Stems

This is where two stems of about the same size will grow from the same spot on the trunk and compete with each other. Often these stems  are weaker and more likely to fail.

Compartmentalisation of Decay

Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees (CODIT) is the natural process in which a tree will create a boundary around a wounded or decaying area, to protect the rest of the tree.

Conservation Area

A conservation area is an area a council is seeking to protect for architectural or historic reasons. Removing or carrying out work on trees in these areas will require special permission from the relevant Local Planning Authority (LPA). If you live in a conservation area, we will undertake all LPA applications on your behalf, free of charge, before starting any work.

Coppicing

A favoured woodland management technique, coppicing involves chopping certain species of trees down to the stump, which enables fresh growth which can be harvested.

Cordwood

Cordwood is a collection of timber which has been cut and sorted by size. The name comes from the cords that would have held the wood pile together.

Coronet Cut

A coronet cut is a specific form of pruning, designed to mimic natural branch tearing. This technique is mostly used in woodland settings.

Crown

The crown is the collection of branches and leaves that make up the tree’s foliage. Sometimes this is also referred to as the canopy.

Crown Clean

Crown cleaning is where we remove dead or dying branches from the crown, as well as removing any other unwanted or dangerous branches.

Crown Lifting

Crown lifting, also known as crown raising, is where we remove the lower branches of the tree, raising the bottom of the crown up to a uniform level (described in metres Above Ground Level – AGL). This can improve the light levels and views for the rest of the garden.

Crown Reduction

Crown reduction is a common process where we carefully prune the crown to reduce its size. This process is useful for reshaping misshapen trees, or reducing obstructions caused by a tree without removing it.

Crown Thinning

Crown thinning is where we remove smaller branches within the crown to reduce weight and improve light flow through the tree. It can also protect trees from high winds due to improved air flow through the crown.

Deadwood

Deadwood refers to dead branches or stems that remain attached to the tree. This is a normal occurrence but can lead to some safety concerns. We can help you identify when it is a problem and remove these branches if necessary.

Deciduous

Deciduous trees are trees which shed all of their leaves over Autumn in preparation for the winter months. This is in contrast to Evergreen trees which retain their leaves all year round.

Decline

Decline refers to the progressive deterioration of a tree’s health, which you might spot in discolouring of the leaves or other symptoms. Our experts can help you manage this decline by treating any underlying causes.

Dieback

Dieback is where the twigs and branches of a tree begin to die, often in response to poor conditions, physical injury or disease.

Dormant

Dormancy is like hibernation for trees; over the winter a tree might lose its leaves and look generally bare over winter months.

Drop Crotching

Drop crotching is a form of thinning, where we selectively prune branches back to a natural fork in the branch.

Epicormic Growth

This is new growth that emerges from buds in the trunk or main branches of the tree. These buds normally lie dormant unless provoked to grow in response to damage.

Felling

Felling is the process of removing a tree by cutting it at the base and carefully directing the tree to fall in a specific area.

Fertilising

Fertilising, as with many other plants, is the process of feeding the roots of a tree to encourage growth. If when we have examined a tree’s decline we identify a nutrient deficiency, fertilising may be one treatment we suggest.

Formative Pruning

Formative pruning is where a tree’s branches are pruned early in its development, to encourage the desired shape.

Fungal Fruiting Bodies

Fungal fruiting bodies will essentially look like mushrooms growing out of a part of your tree. These bodies tend to feed on dead or decaying wood and can therefore indicate the presence of other tree health issues.

Habit

A habit is the natural shape of a tree.

Hazard Beam

A hazard beam is a main tree branch which is curving upwards, leading to high internal pressures which can cause a hazard beam crack which runs up the middle of the branch.

Height Reduction

Height reduction is where upper branches are cut back until the tree reaches a desired overall height.

Leader

The leader is the dominant upright stem at the centre of a tree, which is usually the main trunk.

Lion Tailing

This is a poor pruning technique, where shoots along a branch are removed except for the foliage at the end of the branch. This can cause unnatural stress to be placed on the branch, potentially leading to the branch failing.

Lopping and Topping

Lopping and topping generally refers to the heavy-handed or poorly executed removal of tree branches. Unlike careful pruning, this process shows little regard for tree health and is therefore not to be recommended!

LPA

LPA stands for the Local Planning Authority, the part of the council you will have to obtain permission from to conduct work on a tree protected by a TPO (see below) or Conservation Area.

MEWP

MEWP stands for Mobile Elevated Work Platform, sometimes also referred to as a ‘cherry picker’. It is a platform sometimes used if climbing the tree is not safe or suitable.

Painting or Sealing

Painting or sealing refers to the process of artificially sealing a tree wound with a special paint or sealant. This process is not recommended as it can interfere with the tree’s natural wound healing.

Pollard

Pollarding is where a tree is pruned to a set height, usually to ensure that it does not outgrow its plot or obstruct views.

Pruning

Pruning is the term typically used to refer to cutting away unwanted or damaged parts of a tree or plant.

Retrenchment Pruning

Retrenchment is a natural process where higher branches of a tree begin to die back, stimulating new growth lower down. This natural process can be emulated with careful pruning of the tips of upper branches to encourage lower growth.

Root Pruning

Root pruning refers to cutting back tree roots, usually to allow for nearby construction works. Improper root pruning can damage a tree, so we can provide expert advice on the best approach.

Sail Area

This is the area of a tree that is affected by the wind.

Scaffold Branches

These are the main collection of branches in a crown that support the structure of the tree.

Section Felling

This is the process in which we remove a tree in sections, if it is not possible to fell the whole tree at once. The pieces either free-fall to the ground if there is space to do this safely, or if not they are rigged up and carefully lowered to the ground.

Stem

The stem is another name for the trunk of a tree.

Stump

This is the part of the tree which will be left after felling. Our arborists are trained in stump removal (or ‘grinding’) and have special equipment to undertake this work.

TPO

TPO stands for Tree Preservation Order, which prevents any work being undertaken on a particular tree without permission from the Local Planning Authority (LPA). If your tree is protected by a TPO, we will undertake all LPA applications on your behalf, free of charge, before starting any work.

Veteran Tree

A veteran tree is one which, due to its size or age, is considered of exceptional cultural or natural value.

Vitality

Vitality is the health of the tree, measured through a range of properties including leaf health and new growth.

Whorl

A whorl is a collection of branches that all emerge from the same level on a stem.

Windblown

Windblown refers to a tree which has blown over in the wind.

Woodchip

This is where we process the branches and other material removed from a tree through a chipper, cutting this material into very small pieces. Woodchip can be used in a number of ways, including for paths and biomass.

If you’re still not sure, just get in touch and we will happily answer any questions you may have.

 

Tree Protection Orders, Conservation Areas and Council Applications

Tree Protection Orders, conservation areas and council applications can be daunting and time-consuming to navigate. Our experienced tree surgeons will take care of the council applications on your behalf, free of charge, before undertaking any work. In this guide we’ll tell you all you need to know about protected trees and how to deal with them.

There are two ways in which a tree might be protected: Tree Protection Orders, which protect a specific tree or group of trees, and conservation areas, which protect trees in a certain area.

Tree Protection Orders

A Tree Protection Order (TPO) is made by a Local Planning Authority (LPA) to protect trees for public enjoyment or environmental reasons. If you have a protected tree on your property, you will likely have to request permission before conducting any work on it. Failing to get this permission can lead to an unlimited fine – so if you’re in any doubt it’s well worth speaking to a qualified arborist first.

What should I do if my tree is protected by a TPO?

You can find out from your LPA if a tree on your land is protected by a TPO. If it is, you will need to get permission from them around eight weeks in advance of any work you want to undertake. This applies to almost all work, including crown reductions and thinning, and especially if you are considering removing the tree.

Making a compelling application to the LPA can be challenging. Our experienced arborists would be happy to make these applications on your behalf, free of charge, before we start any work. Councils are often reassured if they know that a request is coming from a qualified tree surgeon. If you are planning to conduct work on a protected tree, get in touch and we can talk you through the process.

Exceptions to this process

If a tree poses a serious health and safety risk, you can notify the LPA of your plans to have work undertaken to make the tree safe, rather than having to ask permission. You should submit this notification as soon as you know that this work is required, and the work carried out should only be enough to make the tree safe.

There are also exceptions for removing dead trees and branches. If a whole tree is dead, you should provide the LPA with five days’ notice before having the tree removed, but again permission is not required. However, you will have a duty to plant a replacement tree. Removing dead branches requires no LPA approval or notice.

Conservation Areas

Conservation areas protect areas of historic or architectural interest rather than specific trees. There are around 10,000 conservation areas in the UK. Many people don’t realise that trees in these areas are also protected. Undertaking work on a tree in a conservation area without permission could lead to an unlimited fine, so it’s best to seek expert advice if you’re considering any work.

What should I do if I live in a conservation area?

You must notify your LPA of any work you plan to undertake on trees in a conservation area that are wider than 75mm in diameter. This notice will have to be supplied six weeks in advance of any work, but unlike for TPOs you do not need explicit permission from the LPA. Once the six weeks have expired, unless the council have objected, you are free to undertake the work. If the council do object they will normally take out a TPO to protect the tree.

Exceptions to this process

The same exceptions apply as do for TPOs: undertaking works on dead or dangerous trees requires only five days’ notice, or less if you can prove the work is urgent. You’ll need to show that you plan to only undertake works that are needed to make the tree safe, and the Government recommend having a professional tree surgeon on hand to provide this advice.

Important Considerations

Undertaking unauthorised works on any protected trees can lead to significant fines. It’s important to get proper advice before taking action. We’d be happy to work with you through this process – get in touch to find out how we can help.

 

We’re often asked about our tree surgeon costs. A range of factors determine tree surgery prices, so the best thing to do is to get one of our quick and easy no-obligation online quotes. In the meantime, this guide will help you understand the costs of hiring a tree surgeon, and why it always pays to use a professional…

Tree Surgeon Costs – What to Consider

When our expert tree surgeons assess your job to provide you with a free quote, there are a range of important factors that will influence the price. First and foremost is the size and complexity of the job: Full conifer tree removal is more complex and would cost more than stump removal, for example. Stump and tree removal also both require specialist machinery, and properly trained individuals to handle it.

We also have to consider other factors such as accessibility and safety. How much tree topping costs, for example, will depend on the height of the tree and how easily we can gain access to the tree and its upper branches.

It’s important to consider that our tree surgeons are qualified experts, and will give you the best possible finish. They always work in a safe and responsible way and are fully insured against damage to themselves, or for the unlikely event of there being damage to any property. We clear away all debris and mess and leave you with nothing but a perfect garden to enjoy (saving you a trip to the tip!).

Head over to our services page to learn more about what we offer, see videos of our team at work, and hear testimonials from some of our many happy customers. And remember, you can get a free, no-obligation quote online within 24 hours, so there will be no surprises.

Why You Should Always Use a Professional Tree Surgeon

Many people when considering tree service prices will find themselves tempted to try and do the work themselves. Tree surgery is a dangerous and complex activity. Sadly we hear too many stories of people injuring themselves or damaging their or their neighbour’s property by undertaking work themselves. The Health and Safety Executive describe tree surgery as “a hazardous occupation resulting in many injuries each year” (hse.gov.uk). Not only are our tree surgeons fully qualified and highly experienced, they are also fully insured. This means that in the very unlikely event that anything goes wrong, you will not be liable for any injuries or damage to property, giving you total peace of mind.

We are also experienced in dealing with protected trees. If you are not an expert it is all too easy to get on the wrong side of the laws in place to protect certain trees. We save you time and worry by taking care of any council applications needed for free, helping you avoid potentially thousands of pounds in fines.

Most importantly though, with our professional tree surgeons you can always expect the very highest standards of work. Whether it’s a tree removal, stump removal, tree topping, or any other service, we have the skills, equipment and expertise to give you the best finish possible. Check out our testimonials page to hear from other satisfied customers across Southampton, Winchester and the New Forest.

Tree surgeon costs don’t need to be a mystery – get in touch with us for a free, no obligation online quote, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Overhanging Trees and Hedges

If your neighbour has trees or high hedges near your border, it’s possible that at some point without proper care, they could begin to encroach into your garden. We know that this can affect the enjoyment of your garden and even create hazards due to overhanging branches. In this guide we’ll explain the options available to you to reclaim your space.

1. Speak to your neighbour

The most important first step is to discuss the issue informally with your neighbour. Not only is this the simplest and cheapest option, it is also a step that councils will require you take before you raise a formal complaint.

It helps to have the facts clear in your mind before speaking to your neighbour. Check the location of the tree or hedge against your property documents to be certain of ownership: a tree or hedge straddling a border is the joint responsibility of residents on each side.

Remember to keep good documentation of the discussions you have with your neighbour so that everyone is on the same page.

2. Prune the tree or hedge yourself

If for whatever reason you’re unable to reach a solution with your neighbour, you are still entitled to take action yourself. If a tree or hedge is growing over your land, you are allowed to cut it back to the border line, even if that requires you to climb into the tree to do so. It is worth noting that your neighbour continues to own the tree, even the pieces you cut off! So you should ask your neighbour’s permission before disposing of them.

You should be careful to check that the tree is not covered by a Tree Protection Order or Conservation Area before undertaking any work yourself.

3. Hire a professional

You could be held liable if you create lasting damage to your neighbour’s hedge or tree, so employing the services of a professional is often the best approach. If you want the best results, or if the job is beyond your abilities, you should hire a professional tree surgeon to cut the hedge or tree back for you.

We provide a range of residential tree and hedge maintenance services and would be happy to talk you through your options. If the tree is covered by a conservation area or a Tree Protection Order, we’ll even take care of the council applications on your behalf.

4. Contact your council

If you’re still unable to resolve the issue, it may be time to involve your council. They may suggest a mediator for you and your neighbour to help settle the issue amicably. Failing that, it may be time to lodge a formal complaint. Your council’s website will provide guidance on how to do this, but they will want to know that you’ve attempted to resolve the issue informally first. The council will charge a fee to complain, typically around £400, to avoid frivolous claims.

The tree or hedge will need to be over 2m tall, and you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that it is already affecting the enjoyment of your garden.

The council will review both sides of the dispute, and either reject your claim or issue a notice for the work to be undertaken, specifying when and how the work should be completed. They cannot order that a hedge or tree be entirely removed, or order work that would result in the death of a hedge or tree.

If a tree or hedge is preventing the happy enjoyment of your garden, get in touch and we’d be happy to talk you through the best options.

You won’t notice your trees growing from one day to the next. On a daily basis the rate of growth is imperceptible. But every now and then you’ll get out into your garden and you’ll notice that your trees have grown bigger!

Great news as this is a sign of a healthy tree.

However, maybe your garden isn’t getting as much light as it used to? Or perhaps a large tree is starting to interfere with overhead telephone and power lines?

When a tree grows too large for the available space and starts causing safety issues or aesthetic concerns then it is time to reduce its size. And this is much easier to do sooner rather than later.

Reducing the size of a tree is usually achieved through pruning but without the right tools and experience this can be hard work. And if you wait too long there could be a lot of uncontrolled growth which could mean a large amount of pruning. This can seriously damage the health of a tree.

But it doesn’t have to be difficult if you act in a timely fashion.

Here at Climbers Way Tree Care we have both the tools and experience required to carry out pruning quickly and efficiently.

One of our favourite jobs to carry out is the crown reduction. It’s a task that requires the knowledge and skill of professionals.

Our tree surgeons will reduce the height and spread of the crown in a manner that will make you happy and keep your tree healthy.

Crown Reduction Benefits

There are many benefits to a crown reduction.

• The natural shape of the tree is preserved. Crown reductions should not be confused with the undiscerning and damaging technique known topping. The appearance of the tree is retained with a crown reduction, and even aesthetically improved, as a balanced well-structured crown is created.
• Properties and outbuildings can be given proper clearance. As a result of no branches overhanging your buildings your gutters will be less likely to clog.
• Takes stress off of over weighted lateral limbs
• Encourages healthy regrowth. Your tree will continue to look great.
• The reduction in height and spread will allow more light to pass into your garden. You will be able to enjoy more sun and your other plants will love the extra light they now get.

If you ask us to carry out a crown reduction we will first assess your tree and offer only the best advice. We will remove an array of branches, including any that are dead or diseased, in order to reduce the overall spread of the tree. We will clean up after ourselves leaving no mess.

All our jobs are carried out by fully qualified professionals who work safely and efficiently, and tidy up after themselves.

Find out more about our Crown Reduction service or contact us today for a free estimate.