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Crown Reduction

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A crown reduction is a highly effective way to address a tree’s overbearing presence, especially in urban environments where space is limited. By selectively shortening branches back to a lateral bud or branch, a crown reduction helps to balance the tree’s overall structure, making it more suitable for its surroundings. This process not only reduces the weight from the outer branches but also minimizes the risk of damage from wind or heavy storms. The key to a successful crown reduction is precise pruning techniques that prioritize minimal wounding. Cutting too aggressively or incorrectly can result in significant stress on the tree, inviting disease, decay, and an imbalance in growth. Our skilled arborists will carefully select cuts that maintain the natural form, ensuring the tree remains healthy and visually appealing, while alleviating any risks posed by its size. Preserving the tree’s vitality and structural integrity is always the goal, and when done correctly, crown reduction can extend the life of the tree and improve its overall health.

Crown Thinning

Trees with dense foliage, especially in urban environments where wind forces can be more pronounced, are indeed more vulnerable to wind throw—the uprooting or breaking of trees during strong winds. Selective thinning is a highly effective strategy to address this issue. By removing some of the internal growth and reducing excessive branch density, you allow for better air circulation through the crown, which reduces wind resistance, or “sail force,” on the tree. This not only decreases the risk of wind throw but also helps the tree withstand storms more effectively. In addition to improving the tree’s resilience to wind, thinning can enhance light penetration to the lower canopy and surrounding ground, promoting a healthier environment for understory plants and vegetation. This can also improve photosynthesis within the tree itself, contributing to better overall health and vigor.

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Crown Lifting

Crown lifting is a vital pruning technique that involves selectively removing lower branches from a tree’s crown to achieve several key benefits. One of the primary advantages is increasing light penetration, which can enhance the growth of grass, shrubs, or other plants beneath the tree, creating a more vibrant, healthy environment. It also improves air circulation, reducing the risk of disease by preventing stagnant moisture and promoting better overall tree health.Crown lifting is particularly valuable for maintaining statutory distances from infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and walkways, to ensure that the tree doesn’t obstruct views or create hazards. For example, it helps clear paths for pedestrians and vehicles, reduces the risk of branches interfering with streetlights, and ensures compliance with local regulations that may specify minimum clearances.

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Pollarding

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In terms of cyclical management, pollarding is used to control the size and shape of trees for safety or aesthetic reasons. This regular cutting back promotes the growth of new, vigorous shoots from the pollard head (the cut points), which keeps the tree’s crown compact and more manageable. Additionally, pollarding can help restrict the development of explorative roots. By regularly cutting back the crown and reducing the tree’s size, you also limit the overall energy the tree can devote to root expansion, which is beneficial in preventing roots from damaging nearby infrastructure like sidewalks, roads, or underground utilities.

Tree Removal

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Kettlewell Treecare offers professional and reliable tree removal services, especially in challenging situations. Trees that become ill, oversized, or hazardous need careful handling. Removing a tree in a confined space, such as near homes or other structures, requires 1.Specialized Equipment: Tools like rigging systems, and advanced saws ensure precise cuts and safe removal, even in tight areas. 2.Expert Knowledge: Understanding tree structure, weight distribution, and potential fall patterns is essential to prevent accidents or property damage. 3.Safety Protocols: Certified professionals follow strict safety guidelines to protect people, property, and themselves during the process. Kettlewell Treecare’s combination of expertise and equipment makes them well-equipped to handle complex tree removals efficiently and safely. Ensuring the job is done professionally, minimizing risk and giving homeowners peace of mind.

Dismantling and rigging is a highly specialized aspect of Tree surgery, particularly in urban environments like London, where space is limited and precision is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this process so intricate 1.Complex Rigging Systems:Pulleys, friction devices, and ropes are used to carefully control the descent of branches and timber. This prevents damage to nearby structures, gardens, and other obstacles.  2.Piece-by-Piece Removal:Trees are dismantled in manageable sections to avoid uncontrolled falls, ensuring safety and precision in confined spaces. 3.High-Level Skill Requirements:The process demands a thorough understanding of physics (force, tension, and balance) and geometry (accurate cutting angles and load distribution

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Beautifully maintained hedges and topiary add structure, elegance, and privacy to any garden. At Kettlewell Treecare our expertise goes beyond standard gardening to provide specialized care for hedges of any size or style. What Sets our Services Apart Trimming & Shaping at Any Height:Unlike standard gardeners, our team has the equipment, skills, and safety training to manage hedges that are too tall or unwieldy for conventional trimming.From perfectly level hedgerows to intricate topiary designs, we can handle projects of any complexity.

Tree Rigging

Hedges & Topiary Services

Planting new trees is a rewarding process, but it requires careful planning to ensure the trees thrive for years to come. At Kettlewell Treecare, our tree planting services offer a professional, holistic approach to this vital task. Key Factors to Consider in Tree Planting 1.Species Selection: • Choosing the right tree species is crucial. Consider factors such as:•Local climate and weather conditions. • Soil type and nutrient availability.•Growth patterns, size at maturity, and compatibility with the surrounding area. 2.Planting Location: • Proper positioning ensures the tree has sufficient space to grow without interfering with nearby structures, utility lines, or other plants. Sunlight exposure and drainage are also critical considerations. 3.Soil Medium: •Healthy soil is essential for a tree’s long-term success. Testing and amending the soil to optimize pH, texture, and nutrient levels ensures a strong start for the tree. 4.Structural Support: •Young trees often require staking or structural support to prevent damage from wind or shifting soil while their roots establish themselves.

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Planting Services

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Contact

Opening hours

Email
thomson@kettlewelltreecare.com
 

Phone
+44 7443 657453

Address
6 Howard Road 
Walthamstow 
London 
E17 4SJ

Monday - Friday

8:30 - 17:00


Available for work on public holidays

 

Insurances

We’re insured for £5 million public liability and £5m employers liability, making sure you can be confident when hiring us.
 

Accredations

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