A homeowner in Preston, reached out to us after facing ongoing issues with a large sycamore tree in his garden. The tree, while healthy, had grown significantly over the years and was causing a variety of problems. Its large canopy and overhanging branches were not only obstructing the view but also creating serious concerns for his property. The branches were frequently dropping leaves into the gutters, causing blockages and water flow issues. During strong winds and storms, the heavy branches posed a potential risk to the property and passersby.

The client was looking for a solution to reduce the tree’s size and alleviate the associated risks, while also ensuring the tree remained healthy and continued to thrive. He wanted the canopy to be trimmed back, especially the overhanging branches, without damaging the tree or the surrounding structures. He approached our team at LES Tree Services to discuss the best course of action for tree reduction.

Challenges

The main challenges we faced during this tree reduction project were as follows:

  • Overhanging Branches: The sycamore tree had large, heavy branches extending over the property and the public road, causing concern for both his home and passersby.
  • Leaf Blockage: The branches were contributing to regular leaf blockages in the gutters, leading to potential water damage during the autumn months.
  • Wind and Storm Damage: The weight of the branches made the tree more susceptible to wind and storm damage, with branches frequently falling and risking harm to the property and public areas.
  • Preserving Tree Health: While reducing the tree’s size was necessary, it was equally important to ensure the tree’s health wasn’t compromised. The reduction had to be done in a way that would promote the tree’s growth in the long term, with a properly shaped canopy that would improve both airflow and sunlight penetration.

What We Did

After a thorough assessment, we recommended a tree crown reduction to safely reshape the tree while reducing risks. This involved trimming back around 40% of the canopy, focusing on problematic branches while promoting healthy growth.

Key Steps in Our Process:

  • Safe Branch Removal: Using rope and lowering techniques, we carefully removed large branches overhanging the house and road, ensuring no damage to property or landscaping.
  • Precision Pruning: Our skilled tree surgeons selectively trimmed branches to balance the canopy, improving sunlight penetration and airflow.
  • Canopy Reshaping: By carefully structuring the remaining branches, we enhanced the tree’s long-term stability and aesthetics.

Outcome

  • Aesthetic Improvement: The tree now has a well-balanced, structured canopy that enhances the overall appearance of the client’s property. The overhanging branches have been removed, opening up the view and reducing falling leaves into the gutters.
  • Reduced Risks: By trimming the overhanging branches, we reduced the risk of damage during storms and strong winds. The tree is now safer for both the property and the public, with less risk of falling branches.
  • Improved Tree Health: The canopy reduction has allowed for better airflow and sunlight penetration which will encourage healthy growth and minimise the risk of future issues with overgrown branches onto the property.
  • Gutter Maintenance: The reduction in the number of leaves falling from the tree has significantly reduced the blockages in the gutters, preventing water damage and the need for frequent cleaning.

Why Choose LES Tree Services?

At LES Tree Services, we specialise in a range of professional tree services such as tree pruning, tree crowning, tree pollarding, tree reduction, and tree removal. Our expert tree surgeons in Preston ensure every job is carried out safely, efficiently, and with the health of your trees in mind.

If you have a tree that needs expert attention, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you keep your trees healthy, beautiful, and safe!

Call Us on 01772 885100 or message us

Published On: March 31, 2025Categories:

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