Bare, densely branched tree on a front lawn in front of brick semi-detached houses before pruning — Dense multi-stemmed tree on a front lawn before pruning, with a cable overhead.

Front garden tree after pruning, with shortened branches, a drive with cars and a brick wall — The same tree after pruning, with the crown opened up and branches shortened.

Here is a front garden tree in Willenhall that had grown into a dense tangle of fine branches. It stands on a small lawn between a drive and the pavement, with a cable running overhead. We cut the crown back so the tree keeps its shape but is far more open and in proportion with the house and street.

Before and after

In the first photo the tree is full of fine twiggy growth, thick enough to hide much of the house behind it. The second photo shows the result: the main stems are still there, but the branch ends have been shortened and the crown opened up. Pruning in winter, as here, when the tree is bare, makes it easy to see which branches to take.

Pruning near wires and drives

Reducing a tree like this keeps branches away from the cable overhead and the cars parked on the drive. A heavy cut should still be planned carefully, as each branch is cut back to a suitable point rather than stubbed. Check with the council first about any Tree Preservation Order, and take care in the bird nesting season.