Six things, and the cheapest of them is the phone call to the council.
Check whether it is protected, check for wildlife, establish the species limits, get the right season, agree exactly what is coming off, and think about what the garden looks like afterwards.
The first of those is free and takes a phone call, and it is the one that can turn a routine job into a criminal offence.
| Tree | Tolerance of cutting back |
|---|---|
| Lime, sycamore, willow | Tolerant; regrow vigorously |
| Ash | Tolerant |
| Oak | Tolerant but slow; prune conservatively |
| Beech | Moderate; better lightly and often |
| Birch | Poor. Dislikes heavy pruning |
| Cherry and plum | Summer only — silver leaf and canker risk |
| Conifers | Poor; no regrowth from bare wood |
As a general principle, around a fifth to a quarter of the crown is a sensible maximum in one operation on a healthy tree, and less on a mature one. Mature trees have committed energy reserves, close wounds more slowly, and are more prone to decay at large cuts — which is why good practice on an established tree is smaller, more frequent, more targeted work.
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
On a tree that has been left a long time, the instinct is to have everything done at once. It is usually the wrong instinct. Deadwooding and a crown lift will address the safety and the practical problems and take a great deal off the appearance — and they are far less demanding of the tree than a heavy reduction. Living with that for a season, then deciding whether more is needed, gives a better result and often turns out to cost less overall.
This page is general guidance rather than legal advice; the council is the authority on what applies to your particular tree.
See what our tree surgery service covers in Fishponds, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Whether it is protected, wildlife, what the species will tolerate, the right season, exactly what is coming off, and what the garden will look like afterwards.
Ask Bristol City Council, which holds the Tree Preservation Order register and conservation area information. It is free and should be the first thing you do.
It is a criminal offence carrying substantial fines, and not knowing is not a defence. Consent or notice must come first.
Around a fifth to a quarter of the crown in one operation on a healthy tree, and less on a mature one — their wounds close slowly and large cuts invite decay.
On a long-neglected tree, usually not. Deadwooding and a crown lift address the safety and practical problems and are far less demanding than a heavy reduction.
Cherry and plum, to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Birch, maple and walnut prefer late summer because they bleed sap in spring.
Both are protected, and a long-neglected mature tree holds more habitat than most. A check comes before work at any time of year.
The tree will be sparse initially and light levels change across the plot. Shade planting may struggle, and the lawn beneath usually improves.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
