Crown Reduction
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Crown Reduction In Leicester
Would you like to reduce a tree crown?
Climbing up a tree and trimming the crown isn’t for everyone. It takes time, precision, and effort, and you’d probably prefer to be doing something else. Let us take care of it for you!
We have over 20 years of experience with these kinds of jobs, and we are happy to help you.
And we also do the job:
Safely
Professionally
Quickly
And at an affordable price
Contact us today, and we’ll schedule a convenient time for an inspection. The inspection is entirely free and comes with no obligations. After the inspection, we’ll give you a quote.
011 6403 5555
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Questions And Answers
How much does crown reduction cost?
The cost varies depending on the tree’s size, accessibility, and location, but on average, it may range from £100 to about £300. You find our prices here.
Do you charge by tree size or by the amount reduced?
We typically price crown reduction based on the tree’s height, spread, accessibility, and the time and equipment required, rather than just the amount being cut.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, if you want us to work on several trees at the same time, or if you want to set up a recurring service where we work for you periodically, we can probably offer you a nice discount.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept transfers, cash, and in some cases credit and debit card payments. Payment is due on completion, however, for very large jobs, we may require a deposit.
What is crown reduction?
It is a technique that involves carefully pruning back branches across the canopy to reduce the overall size and height of the tree while maintaining its natural shape and structure.
How is crown reduction different from topping?
Unlike topping, which cuts large sections from the top and can severely damage the tree, crown reduction uses selective pruning of smaller branches to reduce weight and size in a controlled way that preserves the tree’s health.
Is crown reduction safe for the tree?
Yes, when carried out by a qualified arborist, crown reduction is safe because it follows proper pruning standards that avoid cutting too deeply into the tree or leaving it vulnerable to disease.
How much of the tree can be reduced?
Typically, no more than 20–30% of the crown should be reduced in one session, as removing too much can stress the tree and affect its long-term health.
Is crown reduction cheaper than tree removal?
Yes, in most cases crown reduction is less expensive than full removal, as the tree is kept in place and only selective branches are cut instead.
Does insurance cover crown reduction?
Home insurance rarely covers routine tree maintenance like crown reduction, though it might cover emergency work if a tree poses an immediate safety hazard.
How long does it take?
For an average tree, it may take a few hours, though very large or difficult trees can take most of a day, depending on access and complexity.
Will it change the look of my tree?
Yes, but when done properly, it leaves the tree with a smaller, balanced, and natural appearance rather than looking harshly cut or disfigured.
Will it stop the tree from growing back?
No, it doesn’t stop growth, it controls it. The tree will continue to grow, but new growth will be more manageable and balanced.
How often should I have the crown reduced be done?
Most trees only need it every 3–5 years, though fast-growing species may require more frequent attention.
Is it good for the health of the tree?
Yes, when performed correctly, crown reduction reduces stress on heavy limbs, helps prevent storm damage, and encourages healthier, stronger growth.
Can a reduction be done on any type of tree?
Deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and elms generally tolerate it well, as they can seal off cuts and regrow, making them ideal for size control or preventing storm damage. Coniferous trees, such as pines or firs, are less adaptable because they depend on their top growth for structure and may suffer stress or dieback from heavy top pruning. Also, young and healthy trees recover better from crown reduction than older or declining ones, which may struggle to heal.
What if the tree is near power lines, buildings, or neighbors' properties?
If needed, we will coordinate with utility companies near power lines for safety, and we use non-conductive equipment. Near buildings and property lines, the core technique is advanced rigging and roping, which allows us to control the descent of every branch piece, ensuring it is gently lowered to a designated drop zone and prevents any damage to structures, landscaping, or neighboring property.
Do I need a permit for crown reduction in Leicester?
In Leicester, whether you need a permit for crown reduction depends on the tree’s status and local regulations. If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located in a conservation area, you must apply for permission from the local planning authority, such as Leicester City Council or Leicestershire County Council, before performing any work.
When is the best time of year to do a reduction?
The best time for this is typically late winter to early spring, when trees are dormant, minimising stress and allowing healing before the growing season.
What are the risks of improper reduction?
It can lead to weakened tree structure, increased susceptibility to disease and pests, and aesthetic damage. Poorly executed cuts, topping or excessive cutting can cause structural instability by promoting weak, fast-growing shoots that are prone to breaking. This can also stress the tree, making it more vulnerable to infections, decay, and insect infestations. Additionally, improper reduction may disrupt the tree’s natural shape, reducing its visual appeal.
Can you provide references of work you have done?
Yes, you can find our client reviews here.
Why Choose Crown Reduction?
Crown reduction involves trimming a tree’s canopy to decrease its overall height and spread. Here’s why our clients choose this service:
Safety: Reducing the tree’s size keeps branches clear of buildings, power lines, or other structures.
Storm protection: Lowering height and spread minimises storm damage by reducing branch weight and stress.
Improved sightlines: Trimming back growth improves visibility.
More sunlight: Pruning the upper canopy allows additional light to reach gardens, lawns, or nearby plants.
Solar panel efficiency: Reducing nearby trees ensures more sunlight reaches solar systems.
Overcrowding management: In dense areas, reduction creates space, easing competition for light and nutrients.
Longevity: Reducing the strain on older branches lowers breakage risks, extending the life of mature trees.
Less leaf litter: A smaller canopy reduces leaf fall on roofs, gutters, or other problem areas.
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How Can We Assist You?
To provide the best service, we first need to understand the details of the job you need help with. We can obtain this information in two ways:
Photos or video: In many cases, we can understand this if you send us clear photos or a video of the task.
Free Inspection: Alternatively, we can come for a free inspection to assess the job.
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Once we’ve assessed the job, we’ll provide a detailed written quote outlining the cost, timeline, and other relevant information.
Typically, we can begin work immediately or within a few days after reaching an agreement.
After trimming, there may be branches scattered on the ground. Please let us know if you’d like to keep them. If not, we can remove them or turn them into wood chips.
No matter your choice, we’ll ensure a thorough cleanup, leaving your property in excellent condition.
We always strive to complete the work as swiftly, professionally, and cost-effectively as possible. Our goal is that you become completely satisfied with our service, and we want you to call us the next time you need an experienced tree surgeon, whether for tree removal, hedge trimming, or any other tree service.
How Do We Perform Crown Reduction?
Proper crown reduction requires planning and precision to protect the tree’s health and safety. Here’s our approach:
Assessment: We start by evaluating the tree’s health and structure to determine if crown reduction is appropriate. We inspect for signs of disease, decay, pests, or structural weaknesses like cracks or cavities. Healthy trees are best suited for reduction, while unhealthy ones may require alternative care or removal.
Planning: Before any cuts, we plan the reduction carefully, typically limiting it to 20-25% of the crown to promote proper healing. We visualise the final shape to preserve the tree’s natural form while meeting the desired goals.
Remove damaged branches: We begin by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve the tree’s health.
Proper technique: For larger branches, we use the three-cut method to prevent bark tearing: An initial undercut a few inches from the branch collar, a top cut farther out to reduce weight, and a final clean cut just outside the branch collar to aid healing.
Gradual reduction: We carefully trim the tree’s height and spread to maintain its health and natural appearance. When pruning, we cut back to a strong lateral branch that can serve as the new growth point, ensuring it’s at least one-third the thickness of the removed branch for strength and balance.
Preserve natural shape: We strive to maintain the tree’s natural symmetry, pruning evenly across the crown for a balanced, attractive look. Key structural branches are preserved to ensure stability and aesthetic appeal.
How Much Does Crown Reduction Cost In Leicester?
Our pricing is determined by these factors:
Size: Larger trees require more time, specialised equipment, and effort, which can increase the overall cost.
Requirements: Standard reduction is generally quick and cost-effective. More complex or customised work may raise the price.
Access: Clear access to the tree, free from nearby structures, power lines, or obstacles, helps reduce costs.
Species: The tree’s species influences pricing due to differences in growth patterns and wood density.
Health: A healthy tree without disease, damage, or structural concerns simplifies the job and is often less costly.
Debris disposal: Do you want us to remove branches and debris after the job, or will you manage it yourself? This choice can impact the final cost.
Based on the above, these are our prices:
| Tree Size | Price (£) |
| Up to 5 metres | 50 – 150 |
| 5 – 10 metres | 75 – 200 |
| 10 – 15 metres | 100 – 300 |
| 15 – 20 metres | 150 – 400 |
| 20 – 25 metres | 200 – 500 |
| Over 25 metres | 250 – 700 |
| Prices updated as of October 2026 | |
However, every job is unique. And there may therefore be specific circumstances regarding your job that could impact the price. For this reason, the prices above are meant to be indicative.
To provide you with a firm quote, we either need to see photos or videos of the task, or come for a free inspection.
Additionally:
If you would like us to care for more than one tree, we will offer you a volume discount.
You can find more information about our crown reduction prices in Leicester here.
Contact us here to send us photos / videos or to request a free inspection.
011 6403 5555
Free Inspection
Email Us
We Always Put Safety First
Safety is our top priority when working on a tree crown. Prior to commencing any work, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of potential risks and implement methods aimed at reducing these risks.
We utilise sharp scissors, motorised saws, and other potentially hazardous tools. Therefore, we strictly adhere to safe work practices to ensure secure execution and minimise any risks.
Our workers are covered by liability insurance and personal injury insurance, and they consistently utilise essential safety equipment during all operations.
You can find more details about our crown reduction services in Leicester on our Google page.







