What Is Tree Surgery and Why Do Trees Need It?

Walking down a tree-lined street, you might wonder how those impressive trees manage to thrive amid concrete, pollution, and constant human activity. Urban trees show nature's resilience, adapting well to our built environments. Despite their strength, they often need a helping hand to do well in spaces so different from their natural woodland homes.

In nature, trees take care of themselves through self-regulating systems. They drop weak branches, heal wounds, and adapt to changing conditions without help. But urban environments create challenges, for example:

• Limited root space
• Pollution
• Damage from vehicles
• Being close to buildings

These all create stresses that forest trees rarely face.

This is where tree surgery comes in, not as something artificial and invasive, but as a supportive partnership with nature.

Understanding tree surgery

Tree surgery is the practice of keeping trees healthy through careful, targeted work that supports a tree's natural healing processes. Good tree surgery respects a tree's natural ability to heal and thrive.

Trees have amazing defence mechanisms. When damaged, they create barriers around wounds, containing infections to stop them from spreading. A skilled tree surgeon makes cuts that help this natural process, letting the tree heal efficiently.

In woodlands, you can see this recovery process at work. Trees that have lost big branches during storms often form calluses around the wound, gradually covering the damaged area. 

Urban tree care applies this understanding of tree biology to help trees handle challenges they weren't prepared to face.

Additionally, proper maintenance prevents hazards. Unstable branches over paths or buildings can create real risks during high winds. Good care protects both the tree and nearby property, allowing beautiful mature trees to stay safely in place for years instead of being cut down due to preventable dangers.

When trees need extra care

Telling the difference between normal tree changes and concerning signs takes some experience. While seasonal changes like autumn leaf drop are normal, certain things will need closer inspection.

Signs that might indicate tree stress include:

• During spring and summer: thin foliage, unusually small leaves, or early colour change
• During winter: structural issues become easier to spot, such as crossing branches or unstable areas of the tree
• After construction: decline that may not show up for several seasons
• Following weather changes: thinning foliage at branch tips or unusual dieback

Urban trees face special challenges. Construction work can harm root systems, even when the visible activity seems far from the tree. New foundations, paving, or utility trenches often cut important roots, leading to decline that may not show up for several seasons.

Weather-related stresses are common too. Long dry spells followed by heavy rain can weaken roots, while stronger storms test structural strength.

Common tree care strategies

Professional tree care includes several techniques, each designed for specific needs while respecting the tree's biology:

- Crown thinning removes smaller branches throughout the canopy to let in more light and air without changing the tree's natural shape. This mirrors how trees naturally drop lower, shaded branches.

- Crown lifting removes lower branches to create space over paths, buildings, or vehicles. In nature, trees in dense woods often lose lower limbs naturally as they compete for light.

- Deadwood removal takes out branches that have died due to disease, damage, or age. This prevents hazards and lets the tree direct energy to healthy growth.

- Pollarding and coppicing are traditional techniques involving more dramatic cutting, historically done to produce wood. When done correctly on suitable species, these methods can extend a tree's life considerably.

After proper care, trees typically respond with new growth in the following seasons. Many develop stronger canopies that better withstand environmental stresses.

The benefits of healthy trees

Beyond looking good, well-maintained trees provide amazing ecological benefits:

• A mature oak can support over 500 species of insects and wildlife
• A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 pounds per year
• Trees release enough oxygen to support people living nearby
• They filter pollution and cool air temperatures in urban settings
• Homes with mature, well-maintained trees typically sell for 5-18% more than similar properties without significant trees

Expert tree care from Thor's Trees

When it comes to providing the best care for your trees, Thor's Trees offers expert tree surgery services backed by years of experience and a genuine passion for arboriculture. 

Our team of qualified tree surgeons combines technical knowledge with a deep respect for trees and their natural processes. Whether you need routine tree maintenance, emergency tree work, or advice on managing mature specimens on your property, Thor's Trees provides professional, reliable service tailored to your specific needs. 

We pride ourselves on sustainable practices that ensure the health and longevity of your trees while keeping your property safe and beautiful. Contact Thor's Trees today for a free consultation and discover how our expert tree services can help your garden thrive.