Tree Surgery & Maintenance in North London
Thor's Trees provides professional tree surgery and maintenance services across London and Hertfordshire, with our expert team of qualified arborists delivering comprehensive care for all your tree-related needs. We specialise in precision tree pruning, crown reduction, deadwood removal, and structural maintenance to ensure the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of your trees.
Tree Surgery & Maintenance
Regular tree maintenance is crucial for preventing potential hazards, promoting healthy growth, and preserving the natural beauty of your landscape. Our skilled tree surgeons utilise advanced techniques and specialised equipment to carefully assess, diagnose, and treat various tree conditions, ensuring optimal results whilst protecting your property and surrounding environment.
As a trusted local provider, we deliver our expert arboricultural services throughout North London, including Enfield, Barnet, Finchley, and Hampstead, as well as extending into Hertfordshire areas such as St Albans and Hatfield. Our fully-qualified workforce combines years of experience with internationally recognised qualifications to provide exceptional tree care services to both residential and commercial clients.
Our specialties include:
Tree Pruning
Pruning a tree involves removing specific branches or stems. Pruning benefits all aspects of the tree’s health and well-being and prolongs the lifespan of the tree.
Such treatment includes the removal of dead, damaged and diseased branches to help aid the prevention of insect & decay organisms from entering the tree; which can eventually lead to fatal implications towards the trees health.
Tree surgery can include the removal of, soft growth, twigs, branches, limbs, parts of the tree trunk and in some rare circumstances the root system.
Formative Pruning
By removing branches that are competing, crossing, rubbing or deformed, we aim to create the formation of a natural and well-balanced crown to develop. In some circumstances this includes the selection of the most suitable single stem from double leading trees. Formative pruning often begins in the nursery. At least two thirds of the height of the tree should always consist of live crown.
Dead-Wooding
“Dead wooding” is the removal of all dead, dying or diseased branch wood, including broken branches or stubs left from previous poor tree surgery operations, found within the crown of the tree.
Dead wood is cut back to a suitable live and healthy branch or junction at the bark ridgeline or to a point where callous growth can properly be formed. Creating a safer area for the tree to be appreciated in.
Crown Lifting
Most clients crown lift to make way for pedestrian walkways, vehicles or just simply to be able to see further down the garden, creating a safer more enjoyable space. It is usually advised that cutting back branches to the stem should preferably not result in the removal of more than 15% of the live crown height.
Crown Thinning
“Crown Thinning” is the careful and systematic removal of branches from within the crown to reduce its density between usually 10-50%.
Leaving a well-balanced tree with even growth throughout the canopy. Thus, allowing more air and light to pass through the tree.
Tree Supply, Planting & Tree Maintenance
Tree-planting is the process of transplanting trees. Our teams are experienced in planting trees of all sizes to meet your budget. All our tree planting methods are assisted by the latest equipment and techniques. We can source almost any tree of small to medium size root ball and plant for instant transformation of your gardens tree-scape.
Ivy Severance / Removal
Ivy can look attractive, but left unchecked it can damage brickwork, block gutters, add weight to trees and hide structural problems. Our ivy severance service cuts the stems at the base so the growth above dies back naturally, making it easier and safer to remove later.
Where you want it gone straight away, we can strip ivy from walls, fences, sheds and trees, taking care to protect the surfaces underneath. We’ll also check for any damage once it’s off, so you know what’s been hiding behind it.
Pollarding
“Pollarding” is the removal of all the growth of a tree back to the main stem. Objectively making the tree produce a quantity of vigorous shoots from the framework, and pruning the new growth back once every 3-4 years on a cyclical basis.
Pollarding is normally undertaken to broadleaf species such as Lime, Poplar, Plane, Willow. The aim of pollarding is to create a “Knuckle” where branches will grow out from, thus making the management of the tree systematic and easy to maintain.
Our Process
Contact Us
Site Survey
Quote & Plan
Expert Work
The Benefits of Tree Maintenence
Promotes Long-Term Tree Health and Vitality
Enhances Safety and Mitigates Property Risk
Preserves Natural Aesthetics and Form
Prevents Future Problems and Costly Remedial Work
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my trees be professionally maintained?
The frequency depends on the species, age, and location of your trees. While some mature trees only require inspection every few years, others may benefit from annual thinning or pruning to manage their size and health. We recommend a professional assessment to create a tailored maintenance plan that follows British Standards (BS 3998).
Do I need permission from the local council to prune my trees?
You generally do not need permission for standard maintenance unless your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is located within a Conservation Area. As part of our service, we can check these regulations for you and handle the necessary applications to ensure all work is fully compliant with local laws.
What is the difference between crown thinning and crown reduction?
Crown thinning involves removing a small percentage of secondary branches to increase light and air flow through the canopy without changing the tree's overall size. Crown reduction, on the other hand, reduces the height and spread of the canopy, which is often used to manage a tree that has become too large for its space or to reduce wind resistance.
Is it safe to prune my trees at any time of the year?
The "best" time depends on the tree species. For instance, many deciduous trees are best pruned in winter when dormant, while others, like cherry or plum trees, are better handled in mid-summer to prevent disease. Our arborists can advise you on the optimal timing to ensure your trees remain healthy and vigorous.
How do you ensure my garden isn’t damaged during the work?
We take great pride in our "tread light" approach. We use compact, specialist equipment and protective ground covers where necessary to access trees without harming surrounding plants or lawns. Our team also performs a thorough cleanup, removing all debris and offcuts so your garden is left as tidy as we found it.