Hassocks
A thin and reduction, done with small cuts
It took a lot of very small pruning cuts to thin and reduce this tree properly, but we’re very happy with the result.
Crown Reduction & Pruning
Is your tree blocking the light, growing too close to the house, or just getting too big? We'll reduce its height and spread without ruining its shape, so you get your garden back without losing the tree.
Overview
What to expect
Crown reduction is the most common job we do. It means shortening the branches back to natural growth points so the tree gets smaller but keeps its shape and stays healthy. It's completely different from topping (which damages the tree and looks awful). We prune every tree to BS 3998 standards, the industry benchmark for proper tree work in the UK. Our climbers are all NPTC qualified.
There are plenty of reasons you might need a crown reduction. Maybe the tree is blocking light to your garden or your neighbour's. Maybe it's growing too close to the house, interfering with cables, or just becoming too big for its spot. Reducing the crown also makes the tree less likely to come down in a storm. We work on all the common species you'll find in Sussex and Surrey: Oak, Beech, Ash, Lime, Sycamore, Horse Chestnut, and big conifers. Each one responds differently to pruning, and we adjust our approach accordingly.
If your tree is protected by a TPO you'll need council consent before any pruning, and in a Conservation Area you must give the council six weeks' notice. We handle the application for you, including the specification (e.g. "reduce crown by 2 metres in height and 1.5 metres in spread"), photographs, and supporting information. If a crown reduction isn't the right approach for your tree, we'll tell you and suggest the best alternative, whether that's crown thinning, crown lifting, or deadwood removal.
Our Process
How It Works
1
We come and look at the tree
Antony visits to see the tree, understand what you're trying to achieve (more light, less worry about branches, a neighbour issue) and recommend the right approach.
2
We check for protections
We check whether the tree has a TPO or you're in a Conservation Area. If you need council consent or need to give notice, we handle the paperwork for you.
3
You get a clear quote
A written quote tells you exactly what we'll do, e.g. "reduce crown by 2m in height and 1.5m in spread". Plain English, no jargon, no hidden costs.
4
We do the work
Our qualified climbers reduce the crown using proper pruning cuts that let the tree heal naturally. We never use spikes on live trees. They damage the bark for no good reason.
5
We clean up and go
All branches and waste are cleared from your garden. We protect your lawn and borders during the work, and leave the site tidy. Everything is recycled.
Included
What's Included
Free site visit and written quote
TPO and Conservation Area checks and applications handled
Crown reduced to the agreed height and spread
Dead branches removed as standard
No climbing spikes used on live trees
All waste cleared and recycled
Advice on when the tree will next need attention
Covered by £10m public liability insurance
Recent work
See all our work
Recent Crown Reduction Jobs
Haywards Heath
Reducing a protected oak
This oak is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and it had been very heavily cut back about eight years ago. We thinned out the regrowth and reduced back what was left, rather than cutting it hard again.
Hassocks
A hard reduction, back to growth points
Another climb for a returning customer, who asked for as much to come off as possible. We can only cut back to the growth points the tree has and still leave enough for it to recover, and this is the result.
“Great work from start to finish. Ant and the team carried out a balanced reduction of our beech tree, a hard-reshape of a yew and removed a bay tree. Professional, tidy and experts at what they do.”
“Antony has looked after my garden trees and shrubs for some years now and his work is of high quality. The latest job involved pruning the overhanging trees from my neighbour’s garden - a task he performed very expertly. Antony is always prompt and polite and his charges are competitive. Well done.”
“Ant made an amazing job of thinning out our Eucalyptus tree, and also took on a little topiary of a bay tree whilst with us. Highly recommended, the easiest and most pleasant person to deal with.”
Plus 9.9/10 from over 200 Checkatrade reviews since 2017
Pricing Guide
Read our full Sussex tree surgery price guide
What does a crown reduction cost?
As a typical guide, a crown reduction on a medium-sized tree costs £400–£1,200. A straightforward reduction on a Lime in an open garden sits at the lower end; a large Oak overhanging a conservatory, or work around power lines, takes more time and rigging, so it costs more.
These are guide ranges rather than commitments. Every job gets a free site visit and a fixed written quote before we start, so you know exactly what you'll pay.
FAQ
Crown Reduction: Common Questions
What is the difference between crown reduction and topping?
Crown reduction shortens branches back to natural growth points, so the tree heals properly and keeps growing in a balanced way. Topping just hacks branches off at random points. It damages the tree, causes weak regrowth, and actually makes it less safe. No reputable arborist will top a tree. We prune everything to BS 3998 standards.
How often should a tree be crown-reduced?
It depends on the species. Fast growers like Willow or Eucalyptus may need doing every two to three years. Slower species like Oak or Beech might only need it every five to ten years. We'll let you know when your tree is likely to need attention again.
Will reducing the crown damage my tree?
Not when it's done properly. We never remove more than about 30% of the live crown in one go. Taking off too much puts the tree under stress. Our arborists know how much each species can handle and will advise you before we start.
Can you reduce a tree with a TPO?
Yes, but you need council consent first. We handle the whole application: specification, photographs, reasons for the work. Most routine TPO applications are approved within six to eight weeks.
How much does a crown reduction cost?
For a medium-sized tree, a crown reduction typically costs £400–£1,200. The price depends on the species, how much reduction is needed, and whether there are obstacles like buildings, fences, or power lines nearby. Every job gets a free fixed written quote before we start.
Further Reading
Related Articles
Neighbour's Tree Overhanging My Garden: Your Legal Rights
You have the right to cut back branches that cross your boundary, but there are rules about what you do with the cuttings.
Crown Reduction vs Crown Thinning: What Is the Difference?
They sound similar but do very different things to your tree. Here is a plain English explanation of crown reduction and crown thinning.
How to Choose a Tree Surgeon: 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Hiring the wrong tree surgeon can cost you thousands. Here are the questions that separate the professionals from the cowboys.
When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees in the UK?
Most trees are best pruned in winter, but some species need summer pruning. Here is a practical month-by-month guide.
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Crown Reduction
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