If your garden has any trees in it, it is a good idea to be aware of the need to prune a tree or a bush and how often they need pruning. Pruning trees can be purely for aesthetic value as well as for the health of the tree by ridding the tree of defective diseased branches or to help it grow. Pruning trees can be useful to keep the tree a suitable size for your garden or keep a safe clearance from a structure of your property like a safe distance from damaging any roof tiles.
How much will it cost to prune a tree?
The cost of pruning a tree is determined on many factors including the size of the tree and delicacy of the tree as well as the reason for how the tree is needing to be pruned. If the tree is diseased and you need to prune and cut away branches before it spreads to the rest of the tree, this may require a more skilled tree surgeon who will need to remove the diseased branches and burn them to avoid the disease spreading to other trees.
As you can imagine pruning a rose bush or a dwarf apple tree versus pruning an English oak tree is far easier with less specialised equipment and safety precautions needed. Another factor taken into consideration, is the access to the tree, and whether trimming the tree has any potential for damage caused to any building structures in close proximity of the tree as well as what sort of waste clear-up is needed after pruning. Pruning a rose bush will be as simple as raking up the excess cut-off branches and discarding the garden waste in a brown bin supplied by the council but for the oak tree, branches would have to be loaded on a truck to be removed, or fed through a woodchipper, which can be hired from various D.I.Y. stores including, B&Q.
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How much does pruning a tree cost |
Unit |
Average cost |
|
Pruning a large tree, e.g.; an oak tree |
Per day |
£1000 |
|
Trimming and pruning a small bush or tree |
Per day |
£120 |
|
Crown lifting a large tree |
Per day |
£1200 |
|
Crown lifting a small tree |
Per day |
£500 |
|
Dead wooding a small tree |
Per day |
£120 |
|
General pruning of small trees and shrubs |
Per day |
£150 |
How to prune a tree without killing it?
Pruning a tree will help the overall appearance and keep it strong and healthy. Pruning a tree should start when the tree is young and first planted. When you plant a tree that you have just bought from the garden centre, from the transplanting stage some of its roots have been severed which means the tree is no longer in proportion re: roots to crown, so ¼ off the top of the tree needs to be cut off. From existing trees always prune away dead or dying branches. Pruning a tree correctly means choosing which branches to leave and which to remove. Branches that are rubbing against others must be removed, as well as suckers and water sprouts (branches that are growing upright) or any branches starting too close to the ground near the base of the stem. When pruning, keep the wound cut as small as possible so slice at an angle and cut slightly away from main stem to not damage any bark from the main stem. Research for the best time of year to prune your tree as they all vary, e.g.; Apple trees best to prune every winter but Cherry trees best to prune in summer.
How to prune a Topiary tree to keep it small?
A common tree pruned in the UK to stay small and attractively shaped, are Topiary trees. These trees have a main stem with various shaped foliage. They often need pruning in summer when the leaves are hard and leathery. The easiest way to trim or prune your Topiary tree is to follow the existing shape, cutting off young sappy growth, using scissors or sharp secateurs. Always be on the safe side and do a few layers of light trimming than one heavy drastic prune.
How to prune roses and apple trees?
Rose bushes should be pruned early Spring before the tree starts to bloom. The trick to pruning, is to prune from the base making your way up. Remove any dead or broken twigs and remove any gangly thin twigs. Cut away the upright branches. Shape the rose bush by pruning off new growth. Before you begin pruning, it is best to research which species rose bush you have, as some roses bloom once on new wood, whereas another variety may bloom once on old wood, of course there are the repeat bloomers.
Apple trees need to be pruned every winter to ensure year on year healthy fruit production. Pruning an apple tree is like pruning other trees, first remove any branches that are dead or damaged. Remove any branches growing from the base of the tree and thin branches growing upright as these just take energy from the tree and will not produce fruit. Cut off any low hanging branches. When pruning, get a good shape on your apple tree, where top branches are shorter than the lower branches.
Get the best tree pruning quotes for your garden
HaMuch can help you with sourcing the best quotes when looking for a local gardener, tree surgeon or even landscaper to help with your pruning needs as well as any garden maintenance jobs you are struggling with. Just post your job, it is quick and easy, and see who is available at the best price for you.
Estimates for common gardener jobs;
| Job | Estimate |
| Cost to weed a garden | £45 |
| Cost to turf a lawn | £320 |
| Cost to prune a tree | £60 |
| Cost to plant shrubs | £25 |
| Cost to mow the lawn | £25 |
| Cost to remove a hedge | £144 |
| Garden clearance | £500 |