Have you ever wondered if your tree needs a trim? Do the branches seem too long, heavy, or messy? Maybe the leaves are growing too thick and blocking light from reaching your garden. Or perhaps you've spotted a few dead branches and thought about cutting them off yourself. Tree pruning might seem like a small job, but it plays a big role in keeping your trees healthy, safe, and looking their best. At Leicester Tree Services, we know how much of a difference proper pruning can make—and we also know the risks when it's done the wrong way.
Pruning is more than just cutting off a few branches. It's a careful process that involves shaping, removing dead or diseased wood, and guiding the tree's growth in a healthy direction. When done right, pruning helps trees grow stronger, live longer, and stay safe. When done wrong, it can weaken the tree, cause disease, or even lead to early death. That's why it's important to hire experienced professionals to do the job.
One of the main reasons people prune their trees is for safety. Trees with large, overgrown branches can pose a serious risk—especially during strong winds or storms. Dead or broken limbs can fall suddenly and damage roofs, vehicles, fences, or even hurt people or pets. By pruning away weak or dangerous branches, we make your property safer. At Leicester Tree Services, we know exactly where to cut and how much to remove to reduce the risk without harming the tree.
Another key reason for pruning is to improve the health of the tree. Sometimes trees grow too thick, and not enough sunlight or air can reach the inner branches. This creates the perfect conditions for pests, mould, or fungal infections to grow. By carefully thinning out the canopy, we allow more light and air to flow through the tree, which keeps it strong and healthy. We also remove any diseased, dead, or damaged limbs that could spread decay or attract insects.
Pruning is also useful for guiding a tree's shape and growth. Young trees, in particular, need proper structure to grow upright and balanced. If left unchecked, a tree might develop multiple leaders (main trunks), or grow in a way that makes it weak or lopsided. By pruning early and regularly, we help the tree grow with a strong central trunk and well-placed branches. This prevents problems later in the tree's life and reduces the need for major work down the line.
Another reason people choose pruning is to protect their property. Trees that grow too close to buildings, power lines, fences, or driveways can cause trouble. Branches may scratch windows, damage roofing, or drop leaves and debris into gutters. In more serious cases, roots or large limbs may cause structural damage. Pruning keeps growth under control, ensuring the tree stays where it belongs and doesn't interfere with your home or utilities.
Tree pruning also boosts the appearance of your garden. Neatly trimmed trees look tidy, balanced, and well cared for. This can make a big difference if you're trying to improve your kerb appeal or create a relaxing outdoor space. Whether you have ornamental trees that need shaping or larger trees that need lifting and thinning, our team at Leicester Tree Services can help you achieve a clean, attractive look.
Pruning isn't something that should be done at random, though. There are best times of year to prune, depending on the tree species and the goal of the pruning. For example, winter is often the best time to prune because trees are dormant and it's easier to see the structure without leaves in the way. Summer pruning can be used to slow down growth or shape ornamental trees. Pruning at the wrong time of year—or in the wrong way—can stress the tree or cause it to bleed sap, become infected, or grow back in unhealthy ways.
That's where professional knowledge comes in. At Leicester Tree Services, we know how each tree species responds to pruning. We know how much to cut, when to cut, and where to cut to get the best results. Our arborists are trained to spot hidden problems, such as internal rot or pest infestations, and we always use proper techniques to avoid harming the tree.
It's also important to understand that over-pruning can be just as bad as no pruning at all. Cutting too many branches can weaken the tree and leave it exposed to sun damage or infections. Some people try to reduce a tree's size by cutting off the top—this is known as "topping" and is very harmful. It causes stress, encourages weak regrowth, and often leads to decay. Our team never uses topping techniques. Instead, we follow industry standards that put the tree's health first.
Professional pruning also means using the right tools and safety measures. Our team uses high-quality saws, loppers, ropes, and climbing equipment to safely access and trim all parts of the tree. We work with precision and take care to protect the surrounding area, including your home, garden, and nearby plants. If a tree is particularly large or hard to reach, we may use a cherry picker or rigging system to bring branches down safely.
As with any tree work, safety is a top priority. Pruning can be dangerous—especially when working at height or with heavy limbs. We've seen many homeowners injure themselves trying to prune tall trees with ladders or poles. Falling branches, tools, or even a slip can turn a small job into an emergency. That's why we always recommend calling in the professionals. Our team is trained, experienced, and fully insured, so you can relax knowing the job will be done safely and properly.
Another benefit of hiring a professional tree service is waste removal. After pruning, you'll be left with a lot of branches, twigs, and leaves. We take care of all of it, cleaning up the site and removing debris so your garden looks just as tidy as it did before—if not better. We also offer mulching and green waste recycling services if you'd like to reuse some of the material in your garden.
For homeowners, landlords, and businesses, regular tree pruning can save money in the long run. By keeping trees healthy and well-structured, you reduce the chances of storm damage, falling branches, or emergency tree work. You also help the tree live longer, meaning fewer replacements or removals. It's a simple, smart way to take care of your landscape and avoid unexpected costs.
At Leicester Tree Services, we offer a full range of pruning services for trees of all shapes and sizes. Whether you need a one-time trim, seasonal maintenance, or a full pruning plan for a larger property, we’re here to help. We’re proud to offer friendly service, expert advice, and a commitment to quality every time.
When you book a pruning visit with us, we’ll start by inspecting your tree and talking with you about your needs. Are you trying to improve the shape? Let in more light? Remove dangerous branches? We’ll recommend the best approach and give you a clear, no-obligation quote. Once you’re happy, we’ll schedule a convenient time to do the work and make sure everything is carried out to the highest standard.
In summary, tree pruning is a vital part of tree care, and it's something best left to trained professionals. It keeps your trees healthy, safe, and looking great—while also protecting your home, garden, and loved ones. Poor pruning can cause more harm than good, so don't take chances. Trust the experts at Leicester Tree Services to get it right.
If you've got a tree in Leicester that needs trimming or you're not sure if pruning is needed, give us a call. We're always happy to offer advice, take a look, and help your trees stay strong and beautiful for years to come.
Leicester Tree Services
6 St Georges Way
Leicester
LE1 1SH
Phone: 01164035555
