Line of cypress trees topped during
renovation of a listed building.
Reducing a hedge for easy maintenance
Birch tree in organic garden at Sonairte
Birch tree in Sonairte topped and lopped by 12ft.
These handsome olive trees were outgrowing their space among Dublin office buildings.
In June 2016 I pruned them for size and shape.
Now they can continue to grace this location and bring nature into the city.
Maple before
This beautiful Copper Maple (left) had grown too large
for its location and the garden and front windows were
in shade. I reduced height and spread, ensuring safety
on the footpath. I also thinned out the interior limbs to
admit light between the branches.
I did similar work to the Oak tree on right.
Oak tree before
Oak Tree after
When a tree is in the front garden it is also important
to check the root growth. Roots may push under
foundations of walls and gate pillars. If the driveway
has been paved extensively, they may also need to
seek water in the pipes under the drive during a hot
summer. My advice is to use gravel rather than solid
paving and to keep the tree to a suitable size as
larger trees need more water.
Concern for the environment, including
observing what is around me, is part of my
work as a tree surgeon. In July 2013 I was
the first person in Ireland to record a sighting
of this lovely Sussex Emerald moth,
Thalera fimbrialis,
and I passed it on to the
Irish Biodiversity
register. Photo taken by me
in my Dublin garden.
