Tree pruning problem

Lady_K

I have a very big cherry tree in my front garden and it's blocking out a lot of light. It has rusty red kind of leaves and pink flowers that bloom around about May. It is in need of serious pruning and I can't afford to have it done. I'm not exactly sure of the size of it but it's way above the house height and so wide the branches touch the house walls. We get people coming round door to door every year asking if we want any trees pruned and I was quoted £150 just for that one tree and that was after he discounted. I'm trying to get someone to do it for me on the side but don't have a clue how it should be done. I've looked up on the net but can't find anything that really tells me how to do it (diagrams preferably) or how much to take off and when

Any ideas appreciated here

Edinburghlass_2

I wouldn't let anyone who comes round the door on spec near the tree. A neighbour did this last year and they made a real mess of the supposed tidy up then didn't take any of the branches etc away.

Tree pruning is expensive as it is a pretty skilled job and they have to be very careful with safety. Perhaps you could try the local council, does it overhang the road at all?

trafalgar_2

Best check that is isn't a 'protected tree' first though....................it can be even if it is on your property :-/

Poppy9

We pruned our Lilac tree in our front garden ourself. We bought some Wilkinson sword heavy duty lopers (cost about £30) from B&Q. Amazing the size of branches they cut upto 50mm and guaranteed for 10 years. We were so pleased with the result that we tackled our apple trees in our back.

If I was you I start with the branches that are reaching your house. You have to keep a balance so the tree doesn't become lopsided and unstable. Then just gradually reduce the density of the tree.

The_Biff

What I need to know is when to prune a pink blossom cherry tree?
I know thay you are supposed to remove inner cross over branches & the rest pruned back to just above a stem.
I had a friendly milk man who was going to prune mine for £10, a few years ago. When he came round to do it I was flat broke so he did it for nothing. There are still very good people around.

Perfectspace

Hi! I'm a professional Garden Designer.

My advice is, of course, to seek the services of a professional tree surgeon, and definitely not just anyone who comes to the door. Your Yellow Pages will have plenty in.

Incorrect pruning can harm a tree and cause it to attract disease. It will cost you a lot more to have it taken out and the stump ground out! Sometimes money saving means doing a job properly.

The time for pruning Prunus (ornamental cherry) is late Autumn to late winter when dormant. So now is a good time to start enquiring.

Perfect Space

Poppy9

Why would incorrect pruning attract disease? We have been pruning our own trees for over 5 years now and our apple trees are now producing fruit - which they didn't for the first few years we lived here. Don't want to lose the trees though.


We only get the experts in for our very big trees in the woodland behind our garden as if they fell they could kill someone or damage the house (mind you hubbies life insurance is upto date - so not a bad idea!).



A

Perfectspace

Hi Poppy

I often see incorrect cuts made to tree branches where someone has left a section that will very slowly die back.

During this time (which can be over a period of months, if not years) this section of wood that is decaying will naturally attract diseases into the open wound.

Correct pruning ensures that all cuts are made so that all remaining wood is being fed and maintained by the tree's own system.

If you're pruning correctly then you will be fine (it takes some care and knowledge). But in general I usually recommend a professional. As I said, sometimes paying extra for a professional is the best way to save money....