
Crown reduction is one of the core arboricultural services we provide across Fordingbridge and the surrounding SP6 area. It involves reducing the overall size of a tree's crown by making precise cuts back to suitable side branches, so the tree retains its natural shape while taking up less space. Our NPTC qualified arborists have been carrying out crown reductions in this area for over 20 years. We offer free same day quotes and always work to recognised British Standards for tree pruning.
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Crown reduction and tree topping might sound similar but they produce very different results. Topping cuts the main stem and large branches at arbitrary heights, creating large open wounds and stimulating fast, weakly attached epicormic growth. This damages the tree's health and structure and can create safety problems in the future. Crown reduction makes all cuts at natural growth points, which the tree can seal over effectively, maintaining structural integrity and the overall appearance of the tree. We only carry out crown reduction, never topping.
Crown reduction can address both the height and the lateral spread of a tree's canopy. We often carry out asymmetric reductions where one side of the tree is reduced more than the other, for example where the crown is encroaching on a neighbour's garden or growing towards a building on one side. The end result looks balanced and natural because we follow the existing branch structure throughout the process. Customers across Fordingbridge find that a well-executed crown reduction is barely noticeable from the street.
Following crown reduction, a tree will typically produce new growth from the cut points within the same growing season. This is healthy and normal. Over the following years the tree will gradually return towards its original size unless maintained. We recommend a follow-up inspection every three to five years depending on the species. Many of our long-standing customers in the Fordingbridge area have regular crown reduction programmes in place for their large garden trees, which keeps them at the right size year after year.
Future Trees & Garden Maintenance was founded over 20 years ago right here in the Fordingbridge area. What started as a small tree surgery business has grown into a full tree and garden maintenance service covering the SP6 postcode and beyond. We are proud to be NPTC qualified, which means our arborists meet the nationally recognised standard for safe and competent tree work. We have worked in back gardens in Breamore, along the lanes of Woodgreen, on large rural estates near Rockbourne, and on roadside trees throughout the New Forest fringe. We know this landscape well and we care about keeping it beautiful and safe.
NPTC qualified arborists on every job
20 years serving Fordingbridge and the SP6 area
Same day response for heating emergencies
Free, no-obligation quotes before work starts
Full public liability insurance on all works
We were called to a property near Hale where a large sycamore had developed an unbalanced crown following years of natural growth. It was heavily weighted towards the house and the owners were worried about the risk in high winds. We carried out a targeted crown reduction on the house side, redistributing the weight of the canopy and reducing the height by around four metres. The tree looked completely natural from the garden. The owners have since booked us for the same tree every three years.

STILL NOT SURE?
Crown reduction can be carried out at most times of year, but late autumn through to early spring is often preferred as the tree is dormant and there is less risk of disturbing nesting birds. Some species such as oak are better pruned in winter to reduce the risk of disease. We can advise on the best timing for your tree when we carry out a free site visit in Fordingbridge.
Crown reduction costs depend on the size of the tree, the complexity of the work and the access to the site. Future Trees & Garden Maintenance offers free same day quotes for all crown reduction work in the Fordingbridge area. Call 07401 310677 to arrange a visit and we will give you a clear, fair price before any work begins.
If your tree has a Tree Preservation Order or is in a Conservation Area, you need consent from the local authority before carrying out crown reduction. Future Trees & Garden Maintenance can help you understand what permissions you need and assist with the application process. We have experience working with protected trees in and around Fordingbridge.
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