Oak Leaf Tree Services - Services, Site Visits and Quotations
Oak Leaf Tree Services have built a reputation as a friendly professional company with an open approach to clients differing needs and requirements, resulting in a large percentage of repeat custom and personal recommendations. Please click here if you’d like to read more about Oak Leaf Tree Services.
OLTS provide a free no obligation quote and will also arrange all necessary permissions; such as TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) and any conservation areas.
If you are already in receipt of a quote and would like to accept it, you can download a copy of our OLTS acceptance form by clicking here.
Crown Thinning & Reduction
Crown thinning is the removal of a portion of smaller/tertiary branches, usually at the outer crown, to produce a uniform density of foliage around an evenly spaced branch structure. It is usually confined to broad-leaved species. Crown thinning does not alter the overall size or shape of the tree. Material should be removed systematically throughout the tree, should not exceed the stated percentage and not more than 30% overall. Common reasons for crown thinning are to allow more light to pass through the tree, reduce wind resistance, reduce weight (but this does not necessarily reduce leverage on the structure) and is rarely a once only operation particularly on species that are known to produce large amounts of epicormic growth.
Crown reduction is the reduction in height and/or spread of the crown (the foliage bearing portions) of a trees. Crown reduction may be used to activate mechanical stress on individual branches or the whole tree, make the tree more suited to its immediate environment or to reduce the effects of shading and light loss. Not all species are suitable for this treatment and crown reduction should not be confused with ‘topping’, an indiscriminate and harmful treatment.
Crown Lifting
Tree crown lifting involves the removal of lower branches. The end result is to lift the height of the base of the crown. This is often carried out to increase the clearance between the ground and the lower branches in order to:
- Allow for access below the tree, particularly vehicles.
- To allow more light to enter beneath the crown.
- Aesthetics. Create a balanced lower crown.
- Remove interference with structures or property – fences, telephone cables etc
Crown Cleaning & Deadwood Removal
Crown cleaning is a simple process to remove unsightly features; for example climbing plants, dead or dying branches, accumulations of leaf litter and rubbish.
Trees can naturally shed small dead twigs and branches which is normally nothing to be concerned about. Large quantities of deadwood can become hazardous either by being shed or blown out in strong winds. A tree may not need all deadwood removed as it can be beneficial to species of insects and birds but this will be discussed after the tree has been inspected.
Large dead wood should be removed especially when a tree is overhanging roads, public footpaths and buildings.
Dismantling & Sectional Felling
Sectional dismantling is the process of taking down medium to large sized trees a piece at a time. Usually this involves a climber using ropes and spikes to climb the tree, then if needed, the use of ropes to lower the branches to the ground. This technique is best suited for trees that are dead, dangerous, storm damaged, overhanging buildings & property or sites which have difficult access or in a confined space. Depending on the location a MEWP (Mobile elevating work platform) may be used to help access and dismantle the tree, along with the use of a GRCS (Good Rigging Control System) to ensure the timber is safely lowered.
Hedge Trimming & Shrub Pruning
A well maintained hedge can be a great first impression, enable clear vision and avoid scratched vehicles. If you have a hedge that is out of control, we have the experience and equipment to get it back in to shape.
Well-pruned plants are healthy and can produce more flowers and fruit. Sensible pruning helps trees and shrubs stay pest and disease free, so longer term, they will be easier to care for.
Stump Grinding
Stump grinding will mechanically grind out the tree stump, leaving wood chips/sawdust that can be mixed with soil. Some roots will inevitably be left in the ground but the majority should rot down.
Tree Reports & Surveys
Oak Leaf Tree Services provide professional advice on all tree related issues. Specialists in the assessment, management and care of trees and woodlands, from country estates to private households, OLTS provide clear, professional, impartial advice and a comprehensive tree survey and tree report service.
General tree advice, tree health and risk management, development issues, project planning and tree planting.
The services provided include:
- A site assessment and survey of assets including tree decay
- Recommendation of tree work to be carried out
- A suggested schedule for completion
- Estimate cost for the work
Completing a tree survey early in the process can prevent inappropriate tree retention and allow the development to be designed to retain the most valuable specimens and prevent conflict of trees with any potential new development. OLTS provide a professional tree planning and consultancy service throughout the South East, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and beyond.
Tree Felling
Tree felling – cutting the tree from ground level and using wedges or winch to fell it in one complete piece. Once the tree is laying on the ground the tree is de-limbed and cross cut for easy removal from the site.
This option is not suitable for trees in confined spaces, sectional felling is more appropriate in these cases.
Tree Planting
OLTS are able to provide tree advice (suitable tree species), and supplying, right through to planting them in the preferred way to give them the best possible start.
Woodland Management
A well managed woodland of any size will be healthier and more attractive than one left to become overgrown and uncared for. Woodland management promotes healthy tree growth, bio-diversity, which helps the native species to flourish – investing in your sustainable resource.