Qualified Tree Surgeons Local & Trusted Tree Care Specialists in The New Forest
Special Branch Tree Services Limited is a local team of highly qualified and fully insured tree surgeons, dedicated to serving the The New Forest community with pride.
Our expertise lies in arboriculture and ecological services and our team of tree surgeons is not only qualified and certified but also boasts extensive experience and rigorous training.
We recognise that tree-related issues can emerge at any time, which is why we offer a 24/7 emergency call-out service.
Our commitment to our clients goes beyond delivering exceptional service;
we also provide valuable, expert advice to ensure that only necessary work is carried out. Our comprehensive range of tree services includes:
- Crown reductions
- Crown thinning
- Dead wooding
- Crown cleaning
- Crown raising
- Pollarding
- Cable bracing
- Large tree removal
- Tree felling
- Hedge cutting
- Stump grinding
- Tree and hedge row planting
- Site clearance
- Supply of woodchips and timber
Count on us for all your tree surgery needs in The New Forest. We are here to keep your green spaces safe, healthy and beautiful.
Crown Thinning The New Forest
Crown thinning is a pruning technique focused on selectively removing smaller or tertiary branches, typically from the outer canopy of a tree.
Its primary goal is to achieve a balanced distribution of foliage, promoting an evenly spaced branch structure.
This practice is typically applied to broad-leaved tree species and does not significantly alter the tree's overall size or shape.
It's important to adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring that material is removed systematically throughout the tree, doesn't exceed the specified percentage and does not surpass 30% overall.
The main objectives of crown thinning include:
- Enhancing Light Penetration: By thinning the crown, more light can filter through the tree's canopy, benefiting both the tree itself and the surrounding area.
- Reducing Wind Resistance: Crown thinning helps decrease wind resistance, which can be especially important in windy environments, making the tree more stable.
- Managing Weight: While it doesn't drastically reduce the tree's structural load, crown thinning can help manage its weight to some extent.
- Promoting Health: Crown thinning may need to be performed periodically, particularly for species prone to prolific epicormic growth.
Trust our expert arborists to perform precise crown thinning, ensuring the health and vitality of your tree while addressing your specific objectives.
Crown Reductions The New Forest
Crown reduction is a precise tree pruning method involving the reduction in height and/or the spread of a tree's crown, which includes its foliage-bearing branches. This technique serves various purposes such as alleviating mechanical stress on specific branches or the entire tree, adapting the tree to its surroundings or mitigating issues like excessive shading and light obstruction.
The desired outcome of a crown reduction is to maintain the tree's fundamental crown framework, preserving a substantial portion of its leaf-bearing structure. It aims to create a smaller but still proportionate crown outline, without necessarily pursuing absolute symmetry. When performing crown reduction, it's crucial to minimise the size of the cuts, with a general guideline of not exceeding a 100mm diameter unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
Specifications for crown reductions should ideally be based on precise measurements to achieve the desired final result. For clarity, these specifications may also include references to the lengths of the branches or parts to be removed. For example, "crown reduce in height by 2.0m and lateral spread by 1.0m, all around, to achieve finished crown dimensions of approximately 18m in height by 11m in spread."
It's important to note that not all tree species are suitable for crown reduction and it should not be confused with "topping," an indiscriminate and detrimental pruning method. Trust our experienced arborists to perform crown reductions responsibly and effectively, ensuring the health and well-being of your trees.
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Dead Wooding The New Forest
Deadwood refers to branches or stems that are no longer alive, often a result of natural aging or external factors. Deadwood plays a crucial role in providing habitats for various organisms and its management should prioritise the preservation of as much deadwood as feasible. The objective is to shorten or remove only those deadwood parts that present a risk.
It's important to note that the durability and retention of deadwood can vary depending on the tree species. Therefore, deadwood management should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the tree in question. Our approach is to balance the conservation of deadwood's ecological value with any necessary risk mitigation, ensuring the health and vitality of the tree and its ecosystem.
Crown Raising or Lifting The New Forest
Crown lifting involves the selective removal of the lower branches of a tree or preparing these lower branches for future removal if necessary. It's essential to follow sound practices when performing crown lifting, which typically does not include the removal of substantial branches directly attached to the trunk. Removing such large branches can result in significant wounds that may lead to extensive decay or biomechanical instability, causing long-term issues.
When dealing with older, mature trees, it's advisable to minimise crown lifting or restrict it to secondary branches. Rather than entirely removing primary branches, the focus should be on shortening them wherever possible. This approach helps maintain the tree's overall health and structural stability.
Crown lifting serves as an effective method to enhance light penetration in areas closer to the tree or to create access beneath the crown. However, it's important to limit the extent of crown lifting to less than 15% of the live crown height, ensuring that at least two-thirds of the tree's total height remains in the crown. Specific instructions for crown lifting should reference a fixed point, such as "crown lift to provide 5.5m clearance above ground level." This ensures clear and precise execution of the task while preserving the tree's well-being.
Pollarding The New Forest
Pollarding is an initial pruning technique applied to young trees where the top is removed at a predetermined height to stimulate the growth of multiple stems or branches from that point.
This method has historical roots and is often employed for purposes such as obtaining fodder, firewood or poles.
Once initiated, pollarding should be consistently performed at regular intervals, ensuring that the initial pollard point, also known as the "boiling," is retained. This cyclical process encourages the development of a robust and sustainable canopy or structure while meeting specific resource needs.
Cable bracing The New Forest
Bracing refers to the practice of installing cables, ropes or belts within a tree's structure to minimise the risk of failure in weakened elements when subjected to excessive movement or stress.
This technique is applied to enhance the stability and structural integrity of the tree.
Our Qualified Tree Surgeons in The New Forest Benefit from the Expertise & Experience
At Special Branch Tree Services Limited, we understand that your trees are valuable assets, contributing to the beauty and health of your property. To ensure your trees receive the care they deserve, it's essential to entrust their maintenance to qualified and professional tree surgeons. Here are some compelling reasons why choosing our expert team can make all the difference:
- Expert and Trained
- Safety First
- CHAS Accredited
- Healthier Trees
- Preserving Aesthetics
- Hazard Mitigation
- Eco-Friendly Practices
- Save Time and Effort
- Cost-Effective Solutions
At Special Branch Tree Services Limited, we take pride in our commitment to excellence. Our qualified and professional tree surgeons are dedicated to enhancing the health, safety and beauty of your trees and outdoor spaces. When you choose us, you're choosing quality, expertise and peace of mind.
Call 07946 634037 today
Our Local Tree Services in The New Forest
Crown Clearing
Our skilled arborists specialise in crown clearing, which involves the precise removal of obstructions and non-essential branches within the tree canopy. This technique enhances the tree's health and aesthetics while addressing specific concerns.
Large Tree Removal
When it becomes necessary to remove sizable trees, our team is equipped to handle the task safely and efficiently. We employ industry-best practices to ensure the careful removal of large trees, minimising any potential risks.
Tree Felling
Our experts are proficient in tree felling, a methodical process of bringing down trees with precision and control. We prioritise safety and ensure the safe dismantling of trees in various environments.
Hedge Cutting
Our hedge cutting services are tailored to maintain the shape and health of your hedges. We trim and shape hedges to your specifications, ensuring they complement your landscape beautifully.
Stump Grinding
We offer stump grinding services to remove unsightly and obstructive tree stumps from your property. Our state-of-the-art equipment efficiently grinds stumps below ground level, restoring your landscape's aesthetics.
Tree & Hedge Row Planting
Enhance your green spaces with our tree and hedge row planting services. We assist in selecting and planting suitable tree and hedge species, considering your specific requirements and environmental conditions.
Site Clearance
Our site clearance services are ideal for preparing land for various purposes. Whether it's for construction, landscaping or restoration, we efficiently clear vegetation and debris to create a clean slate for your project.
Woodchips & Timber Supply
We provide quality woodchips and timber for various applications. Whether you need mulch, firewood or construction materials, we offer reliable and sustainable sources.
Why choose Special Branch Tree Services Limited as your expert tree surgeons in The New Forest?
Most of our work comes from recommendation by existing customers, which is a testament to our level of service and workmanship.
Our clients benefit from a skilled workforce with a track record of integrity and professionalism and all our tree surgery services are of high quality and cost effective.
With our commitment to quality and reliability, competitive prices and our attention to detail, we remain the preferred tree surgeons in The New Forest.
You can rely on our expertise and professionalism when it comes to quality tree work solutions.
- We are ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Approved Members
- Association Member of the A.A (Arboricultural Association)
- CHAS Accredited
- NPTC Qualified Staff
- Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Approved Contractors
- Fully insured to £5million
- 24/7 emergency call out service
- No call out charges
- Competitive local pricing
- Free site surveys
- No obligation quotations
- Reliable, trusted, and friendly staff
- Planning Advice and Applications
- Highly recommended
FAQs – Tree Surgeons The New Forest
Local regulations vary, but in many areas, you may need permission to remove a tree, especially if it’s a protected species or a certain size. Check with your local authorities or consult a tree surgeon for guidance.
The frequency of tree pruning depends on various factors, including tree species, age and health. Generally, most trees benefit from pruning every 2-5 years to maintain their vitality and shape.
Yes, you can plant new trees near existing ones. However, it’s essential to consider factors like species compatibility, spacing and potential competition for resources. Consult a tree surgeon for guidance on suitable planting locations.
Common signs of tree issues include wilting leaves, discoloured or abnormal growth, visible pests, deadwood and a decline in overall canopy health. If you notice these signs, it’s advisable to consult a tree surgeon for an assessment.
Crown reduction is the selective removal of branches to reduce a tree’s height and spread while maintaining its overall structure. It’s necessary to manage tree size, improve light penetration or address safety concerns without removing the entire tree.