If your tree needs pruning you should check that the tree is not covered by a tree preservation order or in a conservation area before carrying out the following:

• Crown reduction, an overall reduction in the size of the crown
• Crown lifting, which is the removal of branches from ground level to a specified height, producing a clear stem. Removal of
• Branches bigger than a third of the tree stem can create a weakness on the tree, so are best avoided.
• Crown thinning, which is the thinning of the overall canopy of the tree by no more than 20 per cent. The tree will remain
• The same size but the canopy will allow more light and wind to penetrate.
• Deadwooding, which is removing the deadwood from a tree and this can be beneficial. But in woodlands or veteran trees,
• Leaving deadwood as a habitat is better as long as it doesn’t pose a safety risk.
• You can contact us here at Appleyard Tree Care for expert advice and work to prune your trees.

Trees prefer to be pruned when dormant (November to February). Certain species, such as cherry, should be pruned in the summer. Avoid the period when the tree is coming out of the dormant period. Incorrect pruning during late March, April and May can cause ‘bleeding’ where the rising sap weeps from the tree, disrupting its natural balance and causing stress. We are happy to visit your tree and provide further advice.

Your common law rights allow you to remove branches that cross over your boundary, without your neighbour’s permission. However, you must not cross the boundary to do so. For example, leaning a ladder over the boundary to rest against the trunk of the tree could be classed as trespass. We advise you to notify your neighbour of your intentions before your tree surgeon arrives. If a tree is protected by a tree preservation order or located within a conservation area, the common law right is removed and you will need to ask the council for permission before undertaking any work.

New legislation allows the council to consider complaints about high hedges under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. Visit the Communities and Local Government website for further information.

Tree roots may cause direct damage or indirect damage. Direct damage is when the physical expansion of roots lift paving stones and crack walls. Due to the weight of a house, no amount of physical expansion will affect it, but garden walls and small structures (garages, outbuildings) may be at risk. Indirect damage is when large structures (houses) which are sited on clay soils can be affected by a tree’s removal of moisture and this can lead to subsidence. Contact us at Appleyard Tree Care or another experienced and NPTC qualified tree surgeon for help.

It is unusual for roots to break drains and associated pipe work. However, if an old pipe with poor joints is leaking into the surrounding soil this will attract roots, which will then exploit the existing weakness. Replacement of faulty drains/pipes with modern materials will usually eliminate the leak and stop problems from happening again.

No, but you should consider the following:

• How much space is available? It is always best to make sure there is enough room for the tree to grow.
• Are there any overhead wires or obstructions?
• Where is the tree in relation to the property?
• A new tree to the south or west may block afternoon or evening sun. A tree to the north will not restrict direct light.