Here we are in a Birmingham back garden on a bright winter day, working on a mature tree that stands in the middle of a wide lawn. The branches have been shortened, leaving a lighter, more open outline against the sky. One of our team is bending over on the grass, gathering cut material, while a ladder rests against another tree at the edge of the patio.
Cutting back a lawn tree in winter
Trees in a bare, leafless state are easier to assess, because every limb can be seen and the cuts can be planned to keep a balanced shape. The aim with work like this is usually to reduce size and weight without leaving the tree looking butchered. The shortened ends in the photo show that the crown has been reduced, and the cut branches are collected from the grass as the job goes on.
Working around patios, pots and lawn
The garden is neat, with paving, a covered parasol, plant pots and a fence along the far boundary, so keeping the surroundings clean matters as much as the cutting itself. We aim to protect lawn and furniture where we can, clear the brash and leave the space ready to use. If a tree is protected or the property sits in a conservation area, the council should be consulted first.
