Collis Tree Services Ltd

Technical Terms

This page explains some of the technical terms used to describe the services we provide:

CROWN CLEANING:
The removal of dead, dying or diseased wood, stumps of broken branches; unwanted epicormic shoots; climbing plants, e.g. Ivy and accumulated rubbish such as wire, boards etc.

FORMATIVE PRUNING:
The pruning of young trees with the aim of producing a tree, which in maturity, will be free from major physical weaknesses.

CROWN REDUCTION AND/OR RESHAPING:
The reduction in height and/or spread of a trees crown (not the whole tree) while preserving a natural tree shape.

CROWN LIFTING:
The removal of the lower branches to a given height above ground level. (This may be all or part of any branch which extends below the desired height).

CROWN THINNING:
The removal of a specified proportion of secondary and small, live branch growth from throughout the crown to produce an even density of foliage (crossing, weak, dead and damaged branches should be removed). Note : On completion the height and spread of the tree will remain the same.

POLLARDING:
The removal of all crown branches back to the main trunk of the tree to allow for the regrowth and formation of a new crown. (Pollarding should not be carried out on trees that have not been previously pollarded and should normally be carried out as a regular operation).

DEAD WOODING:
The removal of dead, dying and diseased wood over 50mm in diameter and the stumps of broken branches.

CABLE BRACING:
The installation of steel or nylon cables to reduce excessive movement of and stresses on branches and forks at risk from breakage in adverse weather conditions.

ROD BRACING:
The installation of threaded rods or bolts to reduce independent movement of parts of a tree (most commonly used to secure split forks).

FELLING:
The complete removal of a tree to near ground level (this may be done as a straight fell or, where in a confined space, taken down in sections using ropes).

STUMP GRINDING:
The removal of a stump to below ground level or to a specified depth, with a stump grinding machine (chippings normally to remain on site to back fill hole unless specified).

GRUBBING OUT:
The total removal using hand tools of a tree/shrub including the stump.

WOUND TREATMENT:
It has been found that currently available proprietary wound paints do not normally control decay, therefore tree paints will not be used unless specified.