Crown reduction in Hemel Hempstead and across Hertfordshire: a big tree made smaller and lighter, in proportion, so you keep the tree and lose the problem. Free estimates, fully insured.
Before and after: the crown reduced over a front garden, with the drive swept
Fully insuredVetted, approved and fully qualified
20 yearsA family run business
Free estimatesMartin prices every job on site
24/7 emergency365 days a year
The problem
A tree you like that has simply got too big
The oak, chestnut or sycamore that was a feature when you moved in now blocks the evening sun, drops a season of leaves into the gutters and sways closer to the house every winter storm. You do not want it gone. You want it smaller.
That is a crown reduction, and it is skilled work. Done badly it becomes topping: a flat-headed tree full of stubs that rot and sprout a mass of weak shoots.
How we do it
Smaller and lighter, still the same tree
A climber works through the crown and shortens each branch back to a healthy side branch, so the tree keeps its natural outline at a smaller size. The before and after photos on this page show a reduction over a front garden: same tree, a fraction of the weight.
Crown thinning takes out a share of the inner branches instead, so light and wind pass through without changing the height. It suits a tree that is the right size but too dense.
Pollarding is the old way of keeping a tree small for good: the crown is cut back to a framework of main limbs, then kept that way with regular cuts. Limes, planes, willows and fruit trees all take it well, and once a tree is pollarded it needs keeping on that cycle.
Our work
On the job
Photographed on site by the A1 Majestic team.
Work in progressCutting a tall tree back to its framework
A1 Majestic tree care Carried out very impressive work in reducing our huge Horse Chestnut tree. The shape they cut was beautiful, their work very tidy and the guys were super helpful, friendly and professional. They truly cared for the tree''s welfare too and would only cut at a certain time to avoid shock and risk of infection for the tree. Everything cut down was taken away and left spotless. So happy.
Highly recommend this company. You'll be glad you used them. The regrowth has been so good too We will be using them again for sure. Thank you Martin and team
Kayleigh Ann, January 2023 · Google review · Kayleigh Ann's horse chestnut
Two trees needed height reduction and tidy up. The team did this quickly and with minimum disruption. Everything was left neat and tidy. Would recommend them and will definitely use them again.
Dan came originally to trim our hedges and showed us that we had several mature trees that were split and at risk of causing damage. He came up with a plan of other work that also required attention as our garden was too shaded and the trees were covered in mould.
He was not pushy and left us to decide what we wanted to have done.
His team were extremely polite and efficient and have cleared up as they have gone along.
Our garden is now safe, has so much more light. The remaining trees are in good shape and we will make sure that they are maintained regularly in future
Tell us what needs doing in four taps, or call 01442 941968. Emergencies are answered 24/7.
2
Free estimate on site
Martin or the team look at the trees with you, check for protection orders and give you a price.
3
The work, done safely
A fully insured, certified team, with the climbing kit, chipper and tipper the job needs.
4
Cleared and swept
Brash chipped, logs taken away or stacked for you, lawns and drives swept before we leave.
Council permission
Need permission? We check before we book.
Trees under a tree preservation order, and most trees in a conservation area, need the council's say-so before they are cut. We check your tree's status before any work is agreed, so you never find out the hard way.
What is the difference between crown reduction and topping?
A crown reduction shortens each branch back to a healthy side branch, so the tree keeps its shape and recovers. Topping cuts straight across the crown, leaving stubs that rot and regrow as weak, crowded shoots. We reduce, we do not top.
How much smaller can you make my tree?
Enough to make a real difference to light and weight while keeping the tree healthy. We agree the reduction with you on the free site visit, looking at the tree together.
Can you pollard an old tree that has never been pollarded?
Pollarding works best when it is started on a young tree and kept up. An old tree that has never been cut this way is a different job, and we tell you honestly whether a reduction is the better answer.
When is the right time for a crown reduction?
For most broadleaf trees, between late autumn and early spring, with the leaves off. Some species are better done in summer. We time the cut to suit your tree.
Does a crown reduction need council permission?
If the tree has a tree preservation order or stands in a conservation area, yes. We check before any work is booked.
Send the form or call 01442 941968. Martin or the team ring you back to book your free estimate, and a fallen or dangerous tree gets a 24/7 emergency response.
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm. 24/7 emergency call-outs.
Emailed Martin with a picture of the job for a high level estimate and he was extremely responsive as he replied within 2 hrs (a competitor who I had contacted took 2 days to respond so I did not even ask them to counter quote). On the basis his quote was reasonable I asked Martin to do the job. His 4 colleagues came over within 48 hrs and completed the job. All very polite, no nonsense, efficient and tidy. Very pleased with job and a great team to deal with. Certainly would use again as great customer experience and quality job! Thanks to a1 majestic
Stephen Piper, January 2023 · Google review
Tell us about the trees
Martin or the team call you back to book your free estimate. For an emergency, call 01442 941968 now.
Rated 4.9 on Google from 56 reviews
Work in progress