Crown Lifting & Thinning FAQs

Your Top Questions, Answered by Certified Scottish Arborists

At Benson’s Tree Surgery, we know you want the best care for your garden trees. Here are answers to Scotland’s most common questions about crown lifting and thinning FAQs—so you can make informed decisions.

1. Understanding Crown Work

Question: What’s the difference between crown lifting and thinning?

Answer:

We visit many gardens in the West End of Glasgow through to Kirkintilloch to discuss how best to proceed with crown lifting and thinning services, but many of our customers are not aware of the difference…

Crown Lifting: Removes lower branches to raise the canopy (perfect for clearing paths, driveways, or improving views).
Crown Thinning: Selectively removes inner branches to boost light/airflow while keeping the tree’s natural shape.

Example: Lift a maple tree over your driveway, or thin an overgrown oak to let sunlight reach your lawn.

Question: How do I know if my tree needs this?

Answer:

Look for:
✔ Dense shade killing grass underneath
✔ Branches rubbing together or growing inward
✔ Difficulty walking/driving under the tree
Unsure? Email us photos for a free assessment.

2. Costs and Quotes

Question: What’s the average cost in Scotland?

Answer:

Most garden trees cost £200–£600 depending on:

- Tree height/species
- Ease of access
- Amount of work needed
  Tip: Get a free exact quote—we’ll visit or assess via photos.

Question: Is thinning cheaper than lifting?

Answer:

Not necessarily! Thinning can take longer due to precision cuts. A professional will always explain pricing upfront. See 4 Facts about Professionals you can tell your friends here.

3. Timing and Process

Question: When’s the best time for crown work?

Answer:

Ideal: November–February (dormant season). But we:
✅ Work year-round for emergencies (e.g., storm-damaged branches)
✅ Avoid nesting season (March–August) unless trees are hazardous

Question: Will you need to close my garden?

Answer:

Rarely! Most jobs take 1–3 hours with minimal disruption. We’ll discuss logistics beforehand.

4. Legal and Wildlife Protection

Question: Do I need council permission?

Answer:

Only if your tree has a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) or is in a conservation area. Good news: We handle all paperwork for you!

Question: What if there are bird nests?

Answer:

By law, we cannot disturb active nests (March–August). We’ll:
🔍 Check thoroughly before starting
📅 Reschedule if needed

5. Tree Health and Safety

Question: Can crown work harm my tree?

Answer:

Only if done wrong! Our NPTC-certified arborists:
✂️ Never remove more than 25% of the crown in one go
🌳 Make precise cuts to avoid disease
Result: A healthier, safer tree!

Question: How often should I do this?

Answer:

Every 3–5 years for most gardens. We’ll advise during your visit.

6. Cleanup and Guarantees

Question: Do you take away the branches?

Answer:

Yes! We:
♻️ Recycle all waste into wood chips
🪓 Can leave logs/mulch if requested

Question: What if I’m not happy with the results?

Answer:

We strive to ensure our customers are satisfied. We check beforehand what is required, discuss the ideal outcome and consult with you along the way. We know our trees and years of experience direct our decisions, but that doesn’t mean we’ll leave you in the lurch. Just call—we’ll do our best to make it right!