Bringing a canopy back to a safe, balanced shape — without spoiling the tree's natural form. Worked to BS3998 across North London and Herts.
Reduction vs. thinning — what's the difference?
Crown reduction takes the overall size of the canopy down — useful when a tree has outgrown its space, has become top-heavy, or is shading out too much. Crown thinning keeps the same outline but removes a percentage of the inner branches, so more light and wind pass through. Different jobs, often confused.
When you'd want this done
- The tree is taking too much light from the house or garden.
- It's grown into wires, gutters, or your neighbour's airspace.
- Top-heavy growth that catches wind and risks failure.
- Reducing a tree as an alternative to removing it entirely.
- Dense crowns where deadwood is hiding inside.
How we do it
1. Look at the tree
We come and look at the species, the structure, what it's near, and what you actually want — more light, more clearance, less wind sail, smaller footprint. The answer dictates the cut.
2. Plan the cuts to BS3998
Reductions are made back to suitable growth points — not random lopping. Most reductions sit between 20–30% of the canopy; anything beyond that is structurally a different conversation.
3. Climb & rig
Climbers work through the tree with handsaws and tip-handled chainsaws, lowering larger sections on ropes where there's anything below.
4. Clear up
Brash chipped on-site, logs taken away or stacked where you want them, lawn raked, paths swept.
When is the best time of year?
Most broadleaved species are happy with reduction work in late autumn through to early spring while they're dormant. Cherry and plum we prefer to do in summer to limit silver leaf risk. We'll tell you what's best for your tree.
Trees under TPO or in conservation areas
A reduction is still 'work' under planning law — if your tree is TPO'd or in a conservation area, we submit the application and wait for the council before starting. Common in Enfield, Highgate, Crouch End, Hadley Wood and parts of Hertfordshire.
Frequently asked
How much can you reduce a tree?
Typically up to 30% of the canopy in a single visit. Going further stresses the tree and can trigger heavy regrowth (water shoots) — usually counter-productive.
Will it grow back the same size?
Eventually, yes. A reduction isn't permanent — you're buying a few years of better proportion. Most trees need re-reducing every 3–5 years.
Is crown reduction better than removing the tree?
Almost always. A mature tree is worth keeping if it can be safely managed. If we think reduction won't solve the problem, we'll say so.
Do you do crown lifting too?
Yes — that's part of pruning. Different cut, same crew. See our tree pruning page.