While Straight Hedges does not market itself as arborists or tree surgeons, we are equipped with 4.8-meter ladders, enabling us to handle works on smaller trees, including fruit trees and ornamental cherries.

Apple, pear, and cherry trees, among other fruit trees, are typically pruned during their dormant winter period. This practice serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, to improve the quality and size of the fruit that the tree will bear it is necessary to cut out any excessive woody stems.

The idea is that the centre of the tree should be spacious and airy and that sunlight can also penetrate easily. This maximises the chances of a good crop the following year.

The ultimate goal is to produce a lesser quantity of fruit, but the fruit that is produced is of a better quality and a larger size. Pruning redirects the plants energy towards a better quality crop. Quality over quantity.

During the winter months, deciduous trees lose their leaves. This allows us to see clearly the 'architecture' of the branch structure.

Clearly this makes the winter pruning of trees easier, faster and ensures better results. We can see clearly which branches are dead, diseased or dying as well as those branches we consider surplus to requirements.

With no leaves camouflaging the structure the shape is clear and access with ladders or climbing into the tree is far easier and safer!

Any smaller deciduous tree, whether ornamental, fruit bearing or not, benefit from a winter prune, even if only to restore a pleasing shape or to keep the dimensions under control. Smaller trees produce less leaf to clear off lawns and paths !

If you have small trees that you believe might benefit from a winter prune then you can register your interest here. Simply click on the link below to send an email to join the correct mailing list. For your convenience you can select and copy the blue text below and paste this into the body of the email when it opens. Don't forget the title !

Hi Tom,

Please add me to your mailing list for clients interested in small tree works during the winter months. My name is [your name] and my address is [your address].

I understand that between November and January, you contact clients on this list to arrange quotations for work, and that registering my interest places me under no obligation to proceed with any work.

As a benefit, if works are completed during December and January, I am entitled to extended credit of 60 days, if required, to help with budgeting over the Christmas Holidays. This will ensure I do not miss the opportunity to have my smaller trees professionally pruned during their dormant period.

Cut wood can be removed off-site as an additional service to the actual pruning work if so required.

Thank you

If you have an immediate or pressing need for tree work then contact Tom Cross on 07783 492 037 by text or voice message. Clearly state your name and address. Someone will contact you within 24 hours to arrange a suitable date and time to view and discuss and advise on any action required and pricing charges. Estimates / site visits are free.