A reduction is priced on how much canopy comes off and how hard it is to reach — not on the height of the tree alone.
A crown reduction is quoted on the volume of canopy being removed, the access, and what happens to the arisings. A modest reduction on a reachable tree is a very different job from taking a third off a large tree over a conservatory.
We do not publish a fixed price list for tree work, because the honest answer is that it varies far more than a list would suggest. What we can do is set out exactly what moves the number, so that when you call for a free quotation you already know what we will be asking about.
A crown reduction shortens branches back to suitable growth points, keeping the tree's natural shape while making it smaller. It is not the same as topping, which cuts the crown off indiscriminately and produces weak, dense regrowth along with decay at the cut points.
There is a limit, and it is lower than most people expect. Removing too much canopy at once starves the tree of the leaf area it needs and provokes a mass of weak regrowth. As a general guide, no more than about a quarter of the canopy in a single operation on an established tree, and less on a species that responds poorly.
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
People often ask for a reduction when a different operation would solve the problem more cheaply.
| The problem | Often the right answer |
|---|---|
| The tree is simply too big for the space | Crown reduction |
| Too much shade on the garden or a window | Crown thinning, or lifting |
| Branches over a lawn, path or drive | Crown lifting — usually cheapest |
| Dead wood and safety worries | Deadwooding |
| Branches over a boundary | Targeted pruning to the boundary |
| The tree is in the wrong place entirely | Removal may be more honest |
Tell us about the work and we will arrange a free quotation.
It is quoted on the volume of canopy being removed, the access, and what happens to the arisings. We provide free quotations.
A reduction shortens branches back to suitable growth points and keeps the tree's natural shape. Topping cuts the crown off indiscriminately, causing decay and weak regrowth. We do not top trees.
As a general guide no more than about a quarter of the canopy in one operation on an established tree, and less on species that respond poorly.
The tree grows back, so a reduction typically needs revisiting every few years. That is worth factoring in when comparing it against removal.
Often, yes — and it is frequently what people actually need. Lifting removes the lowest branches to clear a lawn, path or drive.
If it has a Tree Preservation Order or stands in a conservation area, consent or notice is required before work starts.
No. Some species tolerate reduction poorly, and we will say so rather than carry out work that damages the tree.
Yes, and on a large tree spreading it across two seasons is sometimes the right approach.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
