How to describe the tree works on your

How to describe the tree works on your application Why read this? To complete Part 7 of your tree works application form, you will need a clear idea of what tree work you are planning and why. These notes will help you describe the works in a way that is clear and concise. A proposal to simply cut back “cut back”, “prune”, “lop” or “trim” is too vague and your application will be returned. There a number of terms used to describe tree works operations, these include: Crown reduction, Crown thinning, Crown lifting, Formative pruning, Selective pruning and Pollarding and Felling Tree work operations Crown reduction The crown of the tree is made smaller by cutting back to side branches. A partial crown reduction is often required on practical grounds to stop trees growing against building, windows or onto roofs. Example T 1, Lime: 2 metre crown reduction, retaining a tree with a finished height of 15 metres and a crown radius of 6 metres (see image). Crown thinning This reduces the density of the crown without changing the overall size or shape of the tree. Thinning is specified as a percentage of the trees total leaf area (Usually no more than 30%). Thinning temporarily lets more light pass through the crown. Example T 2, Beech: Crown thin to remove approximately 15% of the trees leaf area. Pruning cuts no greater than 25 mm in diametres. Crown reduction

Crown lifting This is where the lower branches of the trees area are removed or cut back to increase the clearance between the tree crown and the ground beneath. This is used to allow more light in gardens and windows, or to clear low branches over paths and roads. You need to identify which branches you wish to remove or specify a height (in metres) above the ground which you wish to lift the tree up to. Crown lifting Example T 1, Oak: Crown lift to give 5 metres clearance above ground level. (See Image) Formative pruning Usually on younger trees to produce a tree at maturity that is free from major structural weaknesses. Often this is used to describe removing co-dominate stems or crossing branches. Example T 10, Lime: Formative prune co-dominant leading stem, to remove eastern stem at approximately 12 metres making one 7. 5 cm diameter pruning cut. Remove two crossing branches from western crown aspect. Selective pruning Where a particular branch needs to be shortened or removed. Used where individual branches are interfering with a structure or are liable to failure. Example T 5, Sycamore: Selective prune to remove approximately 4. 5 metres from the end of the lowest branch growing to the east making one 15 cm pruning cut. Selective prune / Formative prune image to follow

Pollarding The cyclical cutting of new branches back to an older framework or well developed knuckle. Large pollards that have not been actively been managed for many year are unlikely to respond well to re-pollarding and may need more sensitive crown reduction works. Pollard image to follow Example T 4, Lime: Pollard by remove new growth back to old pollard knuckle at approximately 3 metres above ground level. Removal Cutting a tree to ground level. In confined spaces the tree may need to be dismantled in small sections, but this is still generically called removal. Example T 1, Leyland cypress: Removal / Fell to ground level. British Standard 3998: 2010 Tree work – Recommendations provides guidance for tree owners and their agents. A copy of this standard is available for inspection at the EDDC offices.