Tag Archive for: tree pruning

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Summer tree care tips

Summer pruning of tree

With the days getting longer and the weather (finally!) getting warmer, summer is just around the corner. For many of our customers, this means getting outdoors and enjoying their garden space. It’s also an ideal time to carry out some essential tree care. Whilst many people associate the autumn and winter months with tree pruning, care and maintenance, summer can also be a great time to carry out certain tasks.

At Simpson Arboriculture, our team can help! Our team of experienced arborists can advise you on maintenance and tree pruning and carry out any work needed professionally and efficiently.

Here are a few of our summer tree care tips. These are some helpful things you can do to ensure that your trees thrive all year round.

  1. Assessing the health of your trees. It is important to check your trees for any signs of weakness or damage regularly. This can help prevent any damage to your home or garden being caused when the weather changes and we experience more high winds and storms over the autumn and winter months. If you have any concerns, our team would be happy to have a look and advise you on any work that could support the health of the tree whilst keeping the trees safe.
  2. Removing dead, diseased or damaged branches. Removal of branches that are likely to snap out or fail is essential for tree owners. Summer is a great time to carry out this kind of maintenance ahead of the autumn and winter months.
  3. Tree watering tips. During the summer, particularly during periods of low rainfall and higher temperatures, you should water younger trees regularly. Deep watering will allow the tree’s roots to stay saturated- only watering on the surface will mean that most of this evaporates. Watering once or twice a week is usually about right, especially for young trees. We advise watering early in the morning to avoid leaf scorch and evaporation.
  4. Mulching. Adding mulch in around the base of young trees is a great way to conserve moisture during the warmer months. It’s also a great way to prevent weeds from encroaching. Tree owners should clear any grass and weeds to allow around a 1 metre radius. You can add woodchip or shredded bark in a loose 2–3-inch layer, avoiding direct contact with the trunk of the tree. This will allow oxygen to flow freely to the root system.
  5. Summer tree pruning. There are several tree species that the Arboricultural Association advise can be pruned during the summer months. These include magnolia, cherry, walnut, maple, birch and beech. Magnolia for example is prone to bleeding when pruned, so pruning during mid-summer allows ample time for healing to begin before the dormant season. Arborists can be carried out on many other tree species during the summer months. Our knowledgeable team will be able to recommend the best times for pruning and we can arrange this accordingly. For more information, you can refer to the Arboricultural Association’s ‘Guide to Tree Pruning’ leaflet.
  6. Checking your trees. Do you have a tree supporting a washing line, or any Christmas lights still up in the garden? If so, it’s important to check that these are loose enough around any tree branches. Owners should loosen any lights or other wires that are tightly wrapped around the branches, as these can result in wounds or damage to the bark. In some cases, they can also inhibit a tree’s growth.

Get in touch

So as we move into summer, be sure to keep up with your tree care and maintenance. If you would like some advice or a quotation for your tree work, our experienced team at Simpson Arboriculture are happy to help. Visit our website and submit an enquiry, or give our team a call in the office.

Regular tree care and maintenance through the seasons can ensure safe, healthy and thriving trees for many years to come.  

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The Importance of Spring Pruning: Enhancing Tree Health and Appearance

Ash tree

As the weather’s getting warmer and the nights are getting lighter, it’s time to turn our attention to the vital task of spring pruning. While it may seem like a simple chore, pruning plays a pivotal role in nurturing the health and beauty of our trees. In this blog, we’ll delve into why spring is the perfect season for pruning trees and explore the myriad benefits it brings to both tree and landscape.

Why spring pruning?

Spring is a season of renewal, making it the optimal time to tend to the needs of our trees. Here are several reasons why:

  1. Assess any issues. The harsh winter months can take their toll on trees, leaving them vulnerable to damage and disease. Spring is an ideal time to assess and address any issues such as broken or damaged branches.
  2. Stimulate growth. Trees experience a surge of growth in the spring. Pruning during this time encourages new growth by removing dead or weak branches, allowing the tree to redirect its energy towards healthy development.
  3. Disease and pest management. Dead or diseased branches not only detract from the beauty of a tree, but also serve as entry points for harmful pathogens and pests. By removing these compromised branches in spring, we can mitigate the risk of disease, safeguarding the overall health of the tree.
  4. Shape and structure. Proper pruning in spring helps shape the growth of trees, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. By selectively removing branches, we can sculpt the tree’s canopy, improving air circulation, sunlight and overall form.

Benefits of spring pruning

The advantages of spring pruning extend beyond the aesthetic, encompassing a range of benefits that contribute to the long-term vitality of trees:

  1. Promotes healing. Pruning optimises the tree’s natural healing process, compartmentalising wounds to minimise the risk of decay.
  2. Enhances flowering and fruit production. For flowering and fruit bearing trees, spring pruning can significantly impact the quality and quantity of blooms or fruits. By removing dead or overcrowded branches, we create space for new growth.
  3. Preserves tree longevity. A well-maintained tree is more likely to enjoy a long and healthy life. By implementing regular pruning practices, we can prolong the lifespan of trees, ensuring they thrive for many years to come.

How we can help

At Simpson Arboriculture, we recognise that spring pruning is vital for nurturing the health and beauty of your trees. With our expertise, we go beyond mere maintenance. By entrusting our skilled team with your spring pruning needs, you’ll be investing in the longevity and vitality of your landscape. To find out more or arrange a quote, you can get in touch with us in the office or make an enquiry via our website.

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Elevate your Outdoors: Tips for Creating a Beautiful Landscape

Welcome to Simpson Arboriculture- your go-to experts for all things tree related in Grantham, Lincolnshire. As a small tree surgery company passionate about greenery, we understand the importance of a beautiful landscape. A well-maintained outdoor space really does enhance the aesthetics of your property. In this blog, we’ll share some valuable tips to help you create a stunning landscape that stands out. From tree surgery to fencing, stump grinding to hedge trimming, we’ve got you covered.

Tree surgery excellence

Trees are the backbone of any landscape, providing shade, oxygen and visual appeal. Our expertise lies in tree surgery, ensuring that your trees are healthy, safe and enhance the overall beauty of your garden. Regular pruning, shaping and removal of dead branches can make a significant difference.

Stump grinding

Nothing disrupts the flow of a landscape like unsightly tree stumps. Our stump grinding services can effectively eliminate these obstacles, creating a smooth and seamless surface. Once those stumps are gone, you’ll have more space for other landscaping elements.

Fencing for security and style

A well-designed fence not only adds a layer of security to your property, but also serves as a decorative element. Our fencing solutions, from feather edge to Lincolnshire post and rail, can be used to complement the natural beauty of your landscape. Our team can advise you on the best options for your garden. We take care of the whole process from start to finish.

Precision pruning

Whether it’s shaping shrubs, maintaining the form of ornamental trees, or encouraging healthy growth on your fruit trees, our pruning services contribute to a neat and manicured landscape. A well-pruned garden not only looks appealing, but also promotes plant health and longevity.

Hedge trimming

Hedges are like the green framework of your outdoor space. Regular trimming ensure they remain tidy and defined. Our hedge trimming services add structure and elegance to your landscape, creating a polished and well-maintained appearance.

Get in touch

At Simpson Arboriculture, we take pride in transforming outdoor spaces. By combining our expertise in tree surgery, stump grinding, fencing, pruning and hedge trimming, we can help you achieve a landscape to be proud of. To find out more about our services, you can find ample information on our website. If you would like to arrange a quotation, you can get in touch with us in the office or submit an enquiry on your website.   

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Tree Pruning: Unlocking the Beauty of your Trees

At Simpson Arboriculture, we take immense pride in our tree pruning and are committed to enhancing the beauty of your landscape. Trees are not only a vital part of our environment; they are also a significant investment in your property. Proper tree care and maintenance is essential to ensure their health, longevity and aesthetic appeal. In this blog, we will explore the art and science of tree pruning and how it can unlock the full potential of your trees.

Understanding the importance of tree pruning

Tree pruning is not simply about trimming away branches. It is a carefully planned and executed process aimed at improving tree health and structure. Pruning can remove dead, diseased or damaged branches, thus improving the overall health of the tree. Proper pruning can also transform the appearance of your trees, shaping them to complement your landscape and improving the visual appeal of your garden.

By eliminating crowded or crossing branches, pruning allows more sunlight and air circulation and stimulates new growth. Furthermore, regular attention reduces the risk of falling branches, thus making the tree safer. Our expert team of arborists at Simpson Arboriculture are qualified and experienced in carrying out tree pruning to a high standard.

The art of tree pruning: techniques

Different species and their growth patterns require specific pruning techniques for optimal results. Some common pruning methods include:

Crown thinning. This involves selectively removing inner branches to improve light penetration and air circulation within the crown, promoting healthy growth.

Crown raising. Raising the lower branches can create clearance for pedestrians, vehicles and buildings while maintaining the tree’s integrity.

Crown reduction. When a tree has grown too large for its surroundings, crown reduction helps reduce its height and spread, ensuring that it remains safe and visually appealing.

Deadwood removal. Removing dead or dying branches not only improves the tree’s appearance, but also eliminates potential hazards.

The science behind tree pruning

Pruning is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires a thorough understanding of tree biology and growth patterns. Our skilled arborists at Simpson Arboriculture assess each tree and recommend an approach accordingly. Factors such as species, age, health and time of year all play a part in determining the pruning approach that is needed.  

Our team ensures that pruning is carried out during the appropriate seasons, as different trees respond differently to pruning at various times of the year. For example, deciduous trees are best pruned during their dormant season, while some flowering trees are pruned after they bloom.

Trust the experts at Simpson Arboriculture

Tree pruning is a delicate task that requires expertise, knowledge and the right tools. Attempting to prune your own trees can result in irreversible damage to the tree or even pose risks to your safety. By entrusting the care of your trees to our skilled professionals, you can be confident that the work will be carried out to a high standard.

Our team at Simpson Arboriculture provides top-notch tree surgery. Get in touch with us today to discuss your tree pruning needs. We would be more than happy to discuss the work with you. You can contact us by phone in the office or send us an enquiry via our website. 

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Assessing your trees: How to spot signs of decline

Ash tree

Benefits of healthy trees

Trees are an integral part of our environment. They provide natural beauty as well as being essential for providing oxygen, storing carbon dioxide and helping to keep the earth cool. In essence, we cannot live without trees. So how can we make sure that our trees thrive?

Firstly, by giving your trees what they need. In terms of young trees, this may be regular watering and use of supports such as tree guards. For more information on this, please see our blog on caring for new trees. Later on, assessing your trees becomes key!

Assessing your trees

Assessing your trees regularly, particularly more mature trees, is the best way to help ensure that they remain strong, healthy and prosperous. We recommend assessing your trees several times a year. We believe this is the most effective way to notice and monitor any changes. If a tree is healthy, you should see new growth every year. We always advise assessing your trees after severe weather such as storms or strong winds, in case your trees have been damaged.

Spotting signs of decline

Knowing what to look for when assessing your trees is essential if you are to spot the signs of decline early. This can help to avoid more problems in the future.   

There are ample ways in which trees can let you know that their health is compromised, so it’s really important to know what to look out for. Trees can show signs of decline in their trunk, branches or in the canopy so it’s important to assess all parts of the tree to give you a clear picture of its health. 

Some of the common signs to spot are listed below: 

  1. Cracks/ splitting. What does it mean if there are cracks or splitting in the bark? This can be caused by freezing weather or sun scald. However, it can also be a sign of fungal disease. Large cracks or splits in a tree can cause it to become unstable and pose a risk to individuals and property.
  2. Dead or broken branches. It’s advisable to prune any dead branches as these can weaken a tree over time.
  3. Decayed roots. Root rot can be a serious problem for a tree, affecting its stability and its ability to get nutrients from the soil. Other tell-tale signs are stunted growth, small pale, leaves and thinning around the canopy. In this case, we may have to remove the tree to prevent the disease from spreading to other nearby trees and plants.   
  4. Fungus growth. The bark should be free from any fungi or moss. Presence of either could mean that the tree is infected with rot. This can cause the tree to become unstable and needs to be assessed as soon as possible.

What can we do to help?

At Simpson Arboriculture, we are passionate about helping to maintain the health of the trees we work on. Pruning and trimming, if carried out correctly by professional arborists, can improve the appearance of the tree and contribute to its overall health. Our arborists work within the guidance set out in BS3998 (British Standards for tree work). This means they ensure that any work carried out will not compromise a tree’s health and stability. Instead supporting and encouraging new growth. When quoting to carry out tree work, our professional arborists will discuss with you what you want to achieve (e.g. more light in your garden) and balance this with the needs and health of the tree. Keeping our customers happy and trees healthy is always our intention!   

But what about when a tree is showing signs of decline? Our team have years of experience in spotting the signs of decline early on. This means that we can take appropriate action. Our aim is to save and maintain trees wherever possible and carry out the essential work to improve and maintain the health of a tree, thus helping to ensure its longevity. This may involve removing deadwood. It may also involve rebalancing a tree or targeting specific branches or limbs that are failing.

In the event that a tree has become unsafe and poses an immediate risk to the public or surrounding property, we would suggest removing the tree as soon as possible. We have many approaches to this ranging from climbing the tree, sectional dismantle, rigging or use of machinery depending on the job.

We are able to grind remaining stumps and treat stumps and roots using eco-plugs. This will then allow for replanting which we always encourage wherever possible.

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Tree Pruning vs. Tree Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Tree surgery

When it comes to tree care, there are a variety of different methods that can be used to maintain the health and appearance of trees. Two common methods are tree pruning and tree surgery. While the two terms may sound similar, they refer to very different practices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between tree pruning and tree surgery, and explain when each method is appropriate.

Tree Pruning: What is it?

Tree pruning is the process of selectively removing certain parts of a tree in order to improve its health, appearance, or safety. Common reasons for tree pruning vary. They include removing dead or diseased branches, shaping the tree to a desired form, and removing branches that are too close to buildings or power lines. Pruning can also help improve the overall structure of the tree. It can make it more resistant to damage from wind, ice, or other weather events.

At Simpson Arboriculture, our experienced arborists use hand tools such as pruning shears or loppers and chainsaws. The key to successful pruning is knowing which branches to remove and which to leave intact. This requires an understanding of tree biology, as well as knowledge of the specific species of tree being pruned.

Tree Surgery: What is it?

Tree surgery or arboriculture has been described by the Arboricultural Association as “The production and management of trees and woody plants where amenity is the primary objective”. This could mean crown reducing a tree that is becoming overgrown and therefore too large for the garden it is situated in. This may be achieved by reducing its overall height and/ or spread. It could also mean crown lifting a tree’s lower branches. This can allow for pedestrians or vehicles to access a road or footpath over which the tree is growing.

Tree surgery can be carried out in situations where the tree is in danger of falling or causing damage to property or people. It may also be used to remove large branches or sections of the tree that are dead or diseased.

Tree surgery is a highly specialised field that requires extensive training and expertise. Our professional team at Simpson Arboriculture are fully qualified, insured and experienced. Any training for our arborists is ongoing and up-to-date. This means our customers that we will get the job done in an efficient, safe and timely manner.

Which Method is Right for Your Tree?

In conclusion, while tree pruning and tree surgery may sound similar, they refer to different methods of tree care. If you’re not sure which method is right for your tree, we would be happy to arrange a site visit. Our specialised team can assess the health and condition of your tree and recommend the best course of action. With proper care and maintenance, your trees can thrive and enhance the beauty of your property for years to come.

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What is Tree Pruning? A Beginner’s Guide

Trees are an essential part of our environment. They play a crucial role in the health of our ecosystem. However, as trees grow and mature, they can develop various problems, including disease, structural weakness, and overcrowding. Tree pruning is a technique used to maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees. In this article, we’ll explore what it is and why it’s essential for the well-being of trees. We’ll also discuss what we at Simpson Arboriculture can do to help.

What is Tree Pruning?

Tree pruning is the process of selectively removing branches or parts of a tree. This can improve its overall health, safety, and appearance. Pruning can be done for various reasons, including:

  • To remove dead or diseased branches that can cause safety hazards or spread diseases to other parts of the tree.
  • To improve the tree’s structure by removing weak or crossing branches that can cause damage during storms or high winds.
  • To reduce the tree’s overall size and shape by cutting back branches that are growing too long or becoming overcrowded.
  • To enhance the tree’s aesthetics by shaping it into a more appealing form.

Why is Tree Pruning Important?

Tree pruning is crucial for the health and safety of trees. Over time, trees can develop structural issues that can compromise their stability. Furthermore, they can make them more susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as high winds and storms. Pruning can help to correct these structural issues and prevent future problems from occurring.

Pruning also helps to remove dead or diseased branches that can spread diseases to other parts of the tree, and it promotes healthy new growth by allowing more light and air to reach the tree’s interior.

Lastly, it can help to improve the aesthetics of a tree, making it more visually appealing and increasing its overall value.

When Should Tree Pruning be Done?

The best time to prune a tree depends on several factors, including the type of tree, the reason for pruning and the local climate. Generally, pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. This timing helps to minimise the risk of damage to the tree and promotes healthy new growth in the spring.

However, some trees, such as flowering trees, should be pruned immediately after they bloom to avoid cutting off the buds for the next year’s flowers. Similarly, fruit trees should be pruned in the winter to promote fruit production. Simpson Arboriculture can help you plan the right time to prune your trees and make maintenance plans for single trees of large-scale forestry operations.

In Summary

Tree pruning is a critical aspect of tree care and is necessary to maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees. Pruning should only be done by trained professionals. The right tree surgeons will have the knowledge and experience to identify the right time, technique, and extent of pruning for each tree. Our team of professional and experienced arborists at Simpson Arboriculture would be happy to discuss this with you and advise.

With proper pruning, trees can continue to thrive and provide valuable benefits to our environment and communities for many years to come.

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