Introduction
Old trees are more than just part of the landscape—they’re living monuments, often hundreds of years old, with deep ecological, historical, and emotional value. In towns like Faversham, Kent, where heritage and nature intertwine, preserving mature trees is not only a responsibility but a privilege.
At Faversham Tree Surgeons, we understand that older trees need specialised care. These trees may look solid, but without proper management, they can become vulnerable to disease, decay or dangerous limb failure. That’s where expert tree surgery comes in—not to cut trees down, but to help them thrive for decades to come.
Here are four key tree surgery techniques we use to extend the life and health of older trees.
1. Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is a delicate pruning method used to reduce the overall height or spread of a tree’s canopy. For ageing trees, this helps in multiple ways:
- Reduces the weight load on old limbs and weak joints
- Minimises the risk of breakage during high winds
- Allows more light to filter through to the tree’s base and surrounding plants
The goal isn’t to reshape the tree dramatically, but to maintain its natural form while lightening structural stress. This is a precise task—taking too much off can shock the tree, while poor cuts leave it vulnerable to decay.
2. Deadwood Removal
Deadwood is a natural part of a tree’s life cycle, especially in older specimens. However, if left unmanaged, it can present hazards or create entry points for pests and fungi. Professional deadwood removal involves:
- Identifying and removing brittle, decaying or broken branches
- Improving airflow through the canopy
- Preventing falling limb hazards over gardens, paths or public areas
By regularly removing deadwood, we help maintain the tree’s health while also improving safety and appearance.
3. Bracing and Cabling
In some older trees, branches begin to split or strain under their own weight. When removal isn’t appropriate, bracing or cabling can provide mechanical support. We use:
- Flexible, high-tensile cabling to support large or vulnerable limbs
- Bracing rods to hold structural splits or unions together
- Non-invasive techniques that allow for natural movement while reducing stress
This method is particularly helpful for trees with historical value or sentimental significance where full removal would be undesirable.
4. Soil and Root Management
A healthy tree starts underground. For mature trees, compacted or depleted soil can limit root function, leading to visible decline. Our root and soil care practices include:
- Aerating the soil to increase oxygen flow and alleviate compaction
- Applying nutrient-rich mulch or targeted fertiliser
- Investigating for root rot or girdling roots and addressing them proactively
These interventions help rejuvenate a tree from the ground up, improving its resilience to drought, disease and stress.
Why Specialised Care Matters
Older trees respond differently to stress than younger ones. Their growth slows, their ability to seal wounds diminishes, and they’re more susceptible to environmental pressures. That’s why tree surgery for heritage or veteran trees demands a gentle, tailored approach, not generic pruning.
At Faversham Tree Surgeons, we consider the history, species, and setting of each tree before we make a single cut—ensuring preservation, not just maintenance.
Conclusion
Preserving old trees is about more than aesthetics—it’s about protecting biodiversity, shade, shelter, and a sense of place. Through careful techniques like crown reduction, deadwood removal, bracing, and root care, we help extend the life of treasured trees across Faversham and beyond.
If you have an old tree that needs attention, don’t wait for signs of decline to appear. Contact Faversham Tree Surgeons and let us help keep your landscape’s legacy standing tall for generations to come.
Call us on: 01795 718991
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