Pruning Guidance

Tree Pruning

Pruning Guidance

As with all tree pruning, irrespective of who undertakes it, work must be completed to an acceptable standard. We will always require work to be carried out to (British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work 3998:1989). Any reputable contractor will be familiar with this and will be able to carry out work to the required standard.

We have included some examples of pruning to help you. These techniques are widely used and considered to be of a good standard by us.

Branch removal

When pruning branches back to the main stem:

Figure 1 Step Cut Method
  • Make a small wedge shaped cut on the underside of the branch (cut 1). This will break the bark at that point and prevent a tear from running along the bark and stem tissue.
  • Further along the branch (cut 2) starting at the top of the branch, cut all the way through the branch leaving a stub end.
  • Finally, make a third cut (cut 3) parallel to (cut 2) just outside the branch collar.

Figure 2 Brancn reductionBranch reduction

  • When reducing the length of branches, the final cut must be made as close as possible to a suitable growth point to reduce the likelihood of decay or die-back.
  • The branch should be reduced in small sections using the step cut method leaving a small stub before carrying out the final cut (figure 1)
    Figure 3 Branch reduction b
  • The final cut must be close to the remaining stem and opposite the branch bark ridge (figure 2)
  • We do not allow topping of trees (figure 3)

Figure 4 Overhanging branchesOverhanging branches

We will allow the pruning of overhanging branches by the occupant as long as the following conditions are met:

  • They are to be cleared to a maximum of 4 metres above the ground level of the property. No higher. (figure 4)
  • Branches must be pruned back to a suitable growth point in the vertical plane directly above the line of the boundary.
  • In cases where a suitable growth point is not available above the line of the boundary the branch may be pruned back to the next appropriate point.
  • In instances where branches would otherwise be left as a stump with no available live growth points or potential for regrowth, it would be appropriate to remove it back to the branch collar (figure 5)
Figure 5 Overhanging branches b


Branches overhanging structures

In cases where branches overhang buildings or structures, branches may be pruned back to a maximum of 2 metres, leaving a 2 metre gap between the branches and the structure (figure 6)

Figure 6 Overhanging branches c


Pruning roots

Where roots from Council owned trees are lifting or damaging hard surfaces, it is not always necessary to carry out root pruning:

  • in most cases resurfacing of the affected area is sufficient
  • in extreme cases root pruning may be appropriate but this should be carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced contractor as removal of too many roots could lead to health and stability problems with the tree.

Root damage to structures

Contrary to popular belief, roots very rarely break drains in the search for water preferring to exploit old and already damaged pipes.

The direct growth of tree roots is sometimes capable of lifting light structures such as paths, paving slabs or boundary walls, but is incapable of damaging house foundations. Trees may cause damage to structures by indirect action caused by shrinking or swelling of a clay as a result of changes in soil moisture content.



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