Caring for the trees on your property is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s essential for safety, legal compliance, and long-term landscape health. Whether you are dealing with storm damage, overgrown branches, or planning a full tree removal, understanding what tree surgery involves can help you make the right decisions.
Our essential tree surgery checklist is designed to guide homeowners in Milton Keynes and the wider areas in navigating the key steps of effective tree care. From early planning to professional hiring and aftercare, here’s everything you need to know.
Before You Start: The Planning Phase
What Should You Check First?
Before any tools come out or quotes are requested, begin with an at-home inspection:
- Look for dead, diseased, or damaged limbs.
- Check for leaning trees, especially near buildings or power lines.
- Examine roots protruding near pavements or foundations.
- Identify nearby hazards: is your tree overhanging a public path or close to a neighbour’s property?
These issues may seem small now but can pose serious risks if left unaddressed. Proactive inspection is the first step in preventing damage to your home, nearby properties, or passers-by.
Know Your Tree Species
Different species require different care. Oak, ash, sycamore, and cherry trees all have unique growth patterns and disease risks. Identifying your tree helps determine the best course of action.
A tree species that grows rapidly may require more frequent maintenance, while certain trees are more prone to disease or pest infestation. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions on pruning frequency and health checks.
Check for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
In Milton Keynes and many parts of Buckinghamshire, your tree may be protected by a TPO or located in a conservation area. It is illegal to carry out surgery on protected trees without permission from the local council.
- Visit Milton Keynes Council to check TPO status.
Define Your Objective
What do you want to achieve? Your goal will determine the method:
- Crown reduction: to reduce overall height/spread
- Crown thinning: to increase light through the canopy
- Deadwooding: to remove dangerous limbs
- Stump grinding: to clear roots after felling
- Hedge reduction: to manage height and shape
Clearly defining your goal also helps you communicate effectively with your tree surgeon and ensures the work carried out aligns with your expectations.
When to Call a Professional Tree Surgeon
DIY or Professional?
DIY is acceptable for minor trimming, like small branches with secateurs or loppers. But anything involving chainsaws, heights, or near power lines should be left to a professional.
Tree surgery is inherently dangerous work. Without the proper safety equipment and training, it’s easy to make a mistake that could cause injury, property damage, or long-term harm to the tree. When in doubt, bring in our experienced arborist in Milton Keynes who serves the wider surrounding areas.
What to Look For in a Tree Surgeon:
- NPTC or LANTRA qualifications
- Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million)
- Adherence to British Standard BS3998 (2010) for tree work
- Good references and local reputation
Top Tip: Birch Landscapes offers insured, expert tree surgeons throughout Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Olney, and Towcester.
Core Tree Surgery Tasks Explained
Deadwooding
Removing dead, dying, or broken branches improves safety and tree health. This is often the first step in any surgery process.
Crown Reduction / Thinning / Lifting
- Reduction: Resizing the tree while maintaining shape
- Thinning: Letting more light through the canopy
- Lifting: Raising the canopy by removing lower branches
These techniques help balance tree health, safety, and aesthetic value.
Stump Grinding & Removal
Stumps can be trip hazards and attract fungi or pests. We use professional stump grinders to safely and fully remove them.
Hedge Trimming & Maintenance
Keep boundaries tidy and prevent disputes with neatly shaped and height-controlled hedges.
Why Hire Birch Landscapes for Tree Surgery in Milton Keynes?
- Local expertise in Buckinghamshire tree care
- Full compliance with UK tree regulations
- Skilled and insured professionals
- Honest advice and free no-obligation quotes
We’ve worked with homeowners and businesses to protect, enhance, and manage their trees safely and sustainably. With a team of trained specialists and a deep understanding of regional tree care, Birch Landscapes is your trusted partner for professional tree surgery.
Explore our full range of landscaping services or contact us directly.
