Maintaining the health, safety, and appearance of your trees involves more than just occasional pruning. From general cutting to specialised techniques like crown reduction, each form of tree work serves a specific purpose and should be carried out by trained professionals. At Ashford Tree Care, we offer a full range of arboricultural services to homeowners and businesses across Ashford, Kent—ensuring your trees remain safe, healthy, and in harmony with their surroundings.
But with so many terms used in the industry, how do you know which service your trees actually need? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between tree surgery, cutting, and crowning—and when each is appropriate.
What Is Tree Surgery?
Tree surgery refers to a broad set of specialist tasks designed to improve the condition, structure, and safety of trees. Carried out by qualified arborists, tree surgery can include:
- Removing dead or diseased branches
- Treating pest infestations or fungal infections
- Reshaping overgrown trees
- Preventing limbs from interfering with buildings or utilities
- Improving overall health through selective pruning
Tree surgery is ideal for managing older or compromised trees that may pose a risk to property or public safety. It’s not simply about aesthetics—it’s about responsible management of living structures that can weigh several tonnes and grow unpredictably if left unchecked.
What Is Tree Cutting?
Tree cutting is a more general term and typically involves reducing or removing parts of a tree for a specific purpose. This may include:
- Reducing overhang onto neighbouring properties
- Trimming branches away from roofs or gutters
- Cutting back trees to improve light levels in a garden
- Removing obstructive or hazardous growth near roads or paths
Unlike full tree surgery, general cutting may be carried out on smaller trees and shrubs where complex climbing or equipment is not required. However, when it comes to larger trees, or those near power lines or structures, it’s essential that any cutting is performed safely and in line with regulations.
What Is Tree Crowning?
Crowning refers to the reshaping or reduction of a tree’s upper canopy. This includes:
- Crown reduction – decreasing the height and/or spread of the crown while maintaining a natural shape
- Crown thinning – selectively removing internal branches to reduce density without changing the overall size
- Crown lifting – removing the lower branches to raise the clearance from the ground
These techniques help increase light penetration, reduce wind resistance, and minimise the risk of falling branches. Crown work is especially useful for trees near buildings, pavements, and driveways, where safety and space are a concern.
Professional crowning requires careful judgement to avoid stressing the tree or causing long-term structural imbalance. At Ashford Tree Care, we assess the species, age, and health of the tree before carrying out any crown modifications.
How to Decide What Your Tree Needs
The right course of action depends on a number of factors:
- Tree health – Are there signs of decay, disease, or dieback?
- Location – Is the tree close to structures, roads, or utility lines?
- Tree size and age – Mature trees may require specialist techniques to maintain stability and health
- Function – Are you aiming to preserve the tree, improve safety, or simply create more space or light?
What might be suitable for one tree could be entirely wrong for another. This is why a professional assessment is so important. Attempting DIY tree work—particularly at height—can be dangerous and often causes more harm than good.
When to Call a Professional
You should contact a professional tree surgeon if:
- Your tree appears to be leaning, shedding limbs, or has visible signs of rot
- There are structural concerns involving neighbouring buildings or fences
- Branches are interfering with power lines or access routes
- You’re unsure about what type of pruning is safe for your specific tree
- You need a tree assessed for preservation orders or planning applications
At Ashford Tree Care, we are fully insured, qualified, and experienced in all aspects of tree care. Our services are tailored to the needs of each tree, with an emphasis on safety, long-term health, and compliance with UK arboricultural standards.
Conclusion
Whether your tree requires general cutting, specialised crown work, or full tree surgery, choosing the right approach is key to maintaining a safe and healthy landscape. Misjudged pruning or improper cuts can shorten the life of a tree and even create hazards.
If you’re unsure what your trees need, let the experts at Ashford Tree Care help. We provide professional advice and reliable tree care services to homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients across Ashford, Kent. Contact us today to arrange an assessment and ensure your trees receive the care they deserve.
Call us on: 01233 542 901
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