Most trees do not need to come down. They need looking after
Pruning can sound like a fancy nice-to-have. Also, its not about making a tree smaller. It is about keeping it healthy, safe, and the right size for where it lives. A well-pruned tree lets light through, stands up to wind, and does not drop branches on cars or conservatories. A badly pruned tree looks like it has been attacked by a giraffe. You can tell the difference.
Ross Webster Tree Services provides professional tree pruning across County Durham and North Yorkshire. We carry out crown reductions to contain size, crown thinning to open up the canopy, and deadwood removal to stop branches falling before they are ready.
Every cut is made to BS3998 standard. We do not top trees. We do not leave stubs. We prune at the right time of year for the species. The tree comes first.
What's included
- Crown reductions
- Reducing the overall size and spread of the canopy while keeping the tree's natural shape. Not lopping. Not topping. Controlled reduction.
- Crown thinning
- Selectively removing branches to let more light through and reduce wind load. The tree looks the same, just lighter, safer, healthier.
- Deadwood removal
- Dead, dying or weakly attached branches removed before they fall. Prevention, not reaction.
- Formative pruning
- Early shaping of young trees to establish good structure. Get it right early and you avoid expensive problems later.
How we prune a tree
1. Assessment. We look at the tree, its species, its condition, and what you want to achieve. More light? Less risk? Better shape?
2. Quote. Written price before we touch anything. No hidden costs.
3. The work. BS3998 standard cuts at the right time of year. Clean, precise, no stubs, no bark tearing.
4. Clear up. All arisings removed. Garden left as we found it, minus the bits that needed to go.
Pricing
Tree pruning starts around £150 for a standard garden tree. Larger specimens, high canopies or multiple trees are quoted individually. You get the price before we start.
You are covered. NPTC qualified. LANTRA qualified. £10M public liability insurance. BS3998 standard on every cut. Written quote before any work begins.
Common questions
- How much does tree pruning cost?
- A standard garden tree starts around £150. Larger trees, high canopies or multiple specimens cost more. We quote in writing before we start.
- When is the right time to prune trees?
- Most deciduous trees are best pruned in winter when dormant. Cherry, plum and stone fruit trees need summer pruning to avoid disease. We schedule work at the right time for each species.
- What is the difference between crown reduction and topping?
- Crown reduction controls size by cutting back to lateral branches. The tree keeps its natural shape. Topping is cutting straight across main stems, which damages the tree. We never top trees.
- Can you prune trees near power lines?
- It requires inspection. We assess the situation and use appropriate processes. If the tree is close to overhead lines, we may need to coordinate with the network operator.
Common questions
- How much does tree pruning cost?
- A standard garden tree starts around £150. Larger trees, high canopies or multiple specimens cost more. We quote in writing before we start.
- When is the right time to prune trees?
- Most deciduous trees are best pruned in winter when dormant. Cherry, plum and stone fruit trees need summer pruning to avoid disease. We schedule work at the right time for each species.
- What is the difference between crown reduction and topping?
- Crown reduction controls size by cutting back to lateral branches. The tree keeps its natural shape. Topping is cutting straight across main stems, which damages the tree. We never top trees.
- Can you prune trees near power lines?
- Yes. We assess the situation and use appropriate equipment. If the tree is close to overhead lines, we may need to coordinate with the network operator.
Related guides
When to prune trees guide →