Small Tree Pruning in Exeter
Professional small tree pruning services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
We prune small garden trees properly - making the right cuts at the right time to improve health and shape. All branches and debris removed, tree left looking cared for.
Why Proper Pruning Matters
Hacking at a tree with a saw doesn't count as pruning. Proper pruning means understanding tree biology - where to cut, what to remove, how much is too much, and when to do it for each species.
We prune to improve tree health, maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and keep trees at a manageable size. Trees pruned properly grow better, look better, and cause fewer problems.
What We Prune
Small garden trees - fruit trees, ornamental trees, young trees that need shaping. Species like apple, pear, cherry, plum, magnolia, birch, small maples, hawthorn, rowan. If it's a tree, it's in a garden, and we can reach it without specialist equipment, we can prune it.
We don't prune protected trees without proper permissions, and we'll tell you if your tree needs a tree surgeon rather than a handyman.
💡 Pro tip: Young trees benefit hugely from formative pruning in their first few years. Get the shape right early and you avoid problems later.
| Done Right ✅ | Done Wrong ❌ |
|---|---|
| Clean cuts just above buds/nodes | Ragged cuts or cut in wrong places |
| Right amount removed for species | Over-pruned or barely touched |
| Dead and diseased wood removed | Dead wood left in |
| Proper timing for the species | Pruned whenever, regardless |
| Natural shape maintained | Butchered into weird shapes |
Why Choose Us for Small Tree Pruning in Exeter?
Proper pruning cuts that heal cleanly
Tree health and shape improved
All branches and debris removed
Right time of year for the species
What to Expect
1. Assessment We identify the species, check what needs doing, and confirm timing is right. If it's the wrong time of year, we'll tell you when to call back.
2. Pruning We remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches first, then shape as needed. Clean cuts, proper technique, minimal stress to the tree. Takes 1.5-3 hours depending on size and complexity.
3. Cleanup All branches cut up and removed, area swept clean, tree left looking healthier. We can leave you some logs for the fire if you want them.
🔧 DIY Tips
Tools You'll Need
- 🔧 Sharp secateurs for small branches
- 🔧 Loppers for medium branches
- 🔧 Pruning saw for larger branches
- 🔧 Stepladder if needed
- 🔧 Work gloves and safety glasses
Steps
- 📐 Identify dead, diseased, or crossing branches - remove these first
- 📐 Step back and look at overall shape
- 📐 Make cuts just above outward-facing buds at 45° angle
- 📐 Don't remove more than 25% of live growth in one year
- 📐 Clean tools between cuts to prevent disease spread
Common Mistakes
- ⚠️ Cutting flush to the trunk - removes the branch collar that helps healing
- ⚠️ Leaving stubs - they die back and rot
- ⚠️ Over-pruning - stresses the tree badly
- ⚠️ Pruning at the wrong time (especially cherries and plums in winter)
Pro Trick
💡 For fruit trees, prune to create an open center with good airflow. This reduces disease, lets light reach all the fruit, and makes picking easier. Think goblet shape, not dense bush.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine with:
- Garden clearance (prune trees as part of overall tidy)
- Rubbish removal (larger pruning jobs)
- Lawn care (better light = better grass)
Related services:
- Shrub removal (if trees are too far gone)
- Hedge trimming (often done together)
- Tree removal for dead or dangerous trees
Seasonal tips: Most trees: winter pruning when dormant. Stone fruit (cherries, plums): summer only to avoid silver leaf disease. Spring-flowering trees: prune just after flowering. We'll advise based on your trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size counts as a small tree?
Generally trees up to about 4-5m tall that can be pruned from the ground or a small stepladder. If we need to climb it or use a cherry picker, it's medium or large and needs a different quote.
When's the best time to prune my tree?
Depends on the species. Most are best pruned in winter when dormant, but some (like cherries and plums) should be pruned in summer. We'll advise based on what you've got.
Will pruning damage my tree?
Done properly, no - it improves tree health. We make clean cuts at the right points and avoid over-pruning. Bad pruning damages trees, but that's why you're calling someone who knows what they're doing.
Can you take the height down?
Within limits, yes. We can reduce height by pruning to lateral branches, but topping a tree (just chopping the top off) is bad practice and damages the tree. We'll advise on what's sensible.
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