What is bird nesting season, and can tree work still be done during this time?
Bird nesting season in the UK usually runs from March to August. During this time it’s illegal to disturb active nests. However, tree work can still sometimes be carried out if:
• there are no active nests present
• the tree has been checked properly first
Responsible tree surgeons always inspect the tree beforehand to make sure no wildlife is affected.
If a nest is found, the work usually has to wait until the birds have finished nesting.
Can you work on trees with a TPO, or that are in a conservation area?
Yes, work can still be carried out on trees that are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located within a conservation area, but permission may be required from the local council before any work takes place.
In many cases, an application or written notice needs to be submitted to the local authority explaining what work is proposed and why. Once permission has been granted, the work can then be carried out legally.
If you're unsure whether a tree on your property is protected, we can help check this for you and advise on the best course of action. We’re also happy to assist with the application process if permission is needed.
What is a crown reduction?
A crown reduction is a tree pruning technique used to reduce the overall height and spread of a tree while maintaining its natural shape. This is done by carefully cutting back the outer branches to suitable growth points throughout the crown.
Crown reductions are often carried out to make a tree more manageable, reduce stress on heavy or overextended branches, allow more light into a garden, or provide greater clearance from buildings, roads, or power lines.
When done correctly, a crown reduction keeps the tree healthy and balanced while preserving its natural appearance.
If you're unsure whether a crown reduction is the right option for your tree, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to offer advice.
What is pollarding?
Pollarding is a tree management technique where the upper branches of a tree are cut back to a set point on the trunk or main branches. This encourages the tree to produce a dense growth of new shoots from that point.
It is commonly used to control the overall size of a tree and keep it suitable for its surroundings, particularly in urban areas, along streets, or in smaller gardens.
Once a tree has been pollarded, it usually needs to be maintained regularly by re-cutting the new growth every few years. This helps keep the tree healthy, safe, and at a manageable size.
If you’re unsure whether pollarding is suitable for your tree, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to offer advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that tree work can raise a lot of questions. People often want to know what work can and can’t be carried out, whether permission is required, and how things like bird nesting season might affect the job.
To help, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - we’re always happy to offer advice and discuss your specific situation.
