Tree and Shrub Pruning Guide

Whether you are dealing with an overgrown hedge, a fruit tree that has stopped producing, or a large oak casting too much shade, professional pruning prevents disease and encourages vigorous new growth. This guide outlines what to expect when hiring a professional gardener or arborist to handle your greenery.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Health Assessment: Inspecting the plant for signs of disease, fungal growth, or structural weakness.
• The Three Ds: Identifying and removing all Dead, Damaged, and Diseased wood to prevent further decay.
• Thinning and Shaping: Removing selective branches to improve airflow and light penetration through the canopy.
• Crown Lifting or Reduction: Shortening outer branches to reduce the overall size or removing lower branches to provide clearance.
• Waste Management: Chipping or removing green waste and ensuring the site is left tidy.

Typical Costs

The cost of pruning depends heavily on the height of the plant and the volume of waste generated. Prices below include VAT and reflect 2025/26 UK averages for professional gardening and basic arboriculture services.

Price fluctuations are usually driven by site access, the proximity of the tree to buildings or power lines, and your geographic location, with London and the South East typically seeing 20-30% higher rates.

How Long Does It Take?

• Individual Shrubs: 30 minutes to 1 hour per plant.
• Small Ornamental Trees: 2 to 4 hours depending on the density of the canopy.
• Large Mature Trees: 1 full day or more for a team of two.
• Standard Garden Maintenance: A half-day session usually covers a mix of shrubs and one small tree.

DIY or Professional?

Light pruning of roses, lavender, and small shrubs is a manageable task for most homeowners with a sharp pair of secateurs. However, once the work requires a ladder or a chainsaw, it is time to call a professional.

Professional gardeners understand the specific biological needs of different species—pruning at the wrong time of year can "bleed" a tree to death or invite silver leaf disease.

For any work involving heights, specialist equipment, or proximity to public footpaths, hiring a pro is essential for safety and insurance purposes. If your tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), a professional arborist must handle the paperwork and execution to avoid heavy fines.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

Not all gardeners are trained in arboriculture. For simple shrub shaping, a general gardener is fine, but for significant tree work, look for a specialist.

• Check Qualifications: Look for NPTC or LANTRA certifications for chainsaw use and tree climbing.
• Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability Insurance (minimum £2 million, though £5 million is preferred for tree work).
• Waste License: They must have a valid Waste Carrier License to legally remove green waste from your property.
• Questions to Ask: Do you prune according to BS 3998? How do you check for nesting birds? Can you assist with TPO applications?

UK Regulations

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPO): It is a criminal offence to prune a tree protected by a TPO without local authority consent.
• Conservation Areas: If you live in a conservation area, you must give the council six weeks' notice before starting work on trees.
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: It is illegal to disturb nesting birds. Pruning is often restricted between March and August.
• BS 3998: This is the British Standard for Tree Work. Any reputable tradesperson should work to these guidelines.

Common Problems

• "Topping" Trees: Cutting the top off a tree leads to weak, dangerous regrowth and ruins the tree's natural structure.
• Poor Timing: Pruning species like Cherry or Plum in winter can lead to Silver Leaf fungus; these should only be pruned in summer.
• Blunt Tools: Using dull blades crushes the plant tissue rather than cutting it, leading to rot and slow healing.
• Ignoring the "Branch Collar": Cutting too close to the trunk prevents the tree from sealing the wound properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to prune?

For most deciduous trees, late autumn or winter is best as the plant is dormant. However, spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after they finish flowering, and "stone fruit" trees (like cherries) should be pruned in summer.

How do I know if my tree has a TPO?

You can check with your local council's planning department. Most have an online map where you can search for your address to see if any trees on or near your property are protected.

Can I prune my neighbour's overhanging branches?

Under UK law, you can prune branches that overhang your boundary, but only up to the boundary line. You must offer the "arisings" (the cuttings) back to the neighbour, though you cannot simply throw them over the fence.

What is the difference between a gardener and an arborist?

A gardener generally maintains the garden at ground level (mowing, weeding, shrub shaping). An arborist (or tree surgeon) is a specialist trained in the health, safety, and management of large trees, often involving climbing and heavy machinery.

Will the gardener take the waste away?

Most professionals include waste removal in their quote, but always confirm this. Some may offer a lower price if you keep the wood for a log burner or if you have a brown bin they can use.