Trimming a Pine Tree

[Ric.ror]

In my new garden I have an established pine tree that is as big as my house. I like the tree - it attracts a lot of birds - but would like to trim it down but not make it look like I have just lopped the top off - can a tree surgeon do this and if so any (rough) idea of the cost

[rowanwitch]

difficult to do without taking the top out....it might be possible to train a lower branch as a new leader but it will look odd be very careful who you have do the work as if they muck it up the tree will look ugly for years....might be better to keep the height but have the branches thinned out especially if light is an issue

[Ric.ror]

No light is not an issue for me as it is to the side of the front window - it just really is too tall I think it will have to come down - shame cause I really like it

[rowanwitch]

It might be possible to have it priuned into a 'cedar pattern' where branches are left at various levels this would give a harmonious form and allow for the top to come out look at bonsai conifers and scale up

[Ric.ror]

Any idea how much a tree surgeon would charge

[agardner09]

I think you have a problem here pine pruner. Any coniferous tree is difficult to reduce because most don't regrow, though in your case I guess that's a good thing. You don't say how old it is but high as your house says it might be past its best anyway. Rowanwitch's cedar pattern sounds like a good compromise as long as you can find a tree surgeon with a good eye who can trim just the right branches, easy as seen from the ground, not so easy waving about in the branches. The last time I got one to do this it cost me £60 and he did it inside 3 hours but then this is the south-west where wages are low. Just remember its cheaper than having the tree fall straight through your front window!

[OliviaBurgess]

Yes definitely tree surgeons can do this but sorry i also don't have any idea about the cost but you can contact "shire tree surgeons Glasgow" for the cost.