Tall tree in fresh spring leaf with a climber in a green jacket among its stems — Tall spring-leaved tree with a climber working among the lower stems.

Climber high in a tree crown with a rope running down past flowering rhododendrons — Climber standing high in the crown with a rope running down.

Large tree with one stem cut back to a flat-topped limb beside a fence and rhododendrons — One stem cut back to a thick limb, with the other crowns left in leaf.

This tree reduction in Northfield was carried out in spring, with the leaves just opening. The photos show a tall multi-stemmed tree, with a climber in a bright jacket and helmet working in the crown. The final picture shows one stem already shortened to a flat-topped stump, while the other stems still carry their full crowns.

Reducing a tall tree from within

For a tree like this, the climber ropes into the crown, then works outwards and downwards, making cuts back to suitable branches. The aim is to reduce the height and spread while keeping a natural outline. Because the tree stands behind garden planting and a fence, cut branches are normally lowered on ropes rather than dropped, which protects the plants underneath and keeps the work controlled.

What to notice in the photos

In the second photo the climber is high on one stem with the rope running down to the ground, while rhododendrons in flower fill the foreground. In the last picture, one of the main stems has been cut back to a thick, flat-topped limb, while the other stems carry full crowns. If a tree overhangs your garden or blocks light, ask about a reduction, and check whether it has any protection.