Tree Care / Maintenance Options

No tree is the same as the next, they all develop differently depending on their species, location, soil type and more. With over 10 years of experience, we are committed to finding the best possible solution for both you and the tree.

Our environmentally friendly tree care services include:

  • Crown reduction

  • Crown thinning

  • Pollarding

  • Tree health inspections

  • General tree maintenance

All our tree maintenance in York and East Yorkshire is carried out to BS3998 (Recommendations for Tree Work) standards. This ensures that every cut we make promotes the long-term health of the tree and prevents infection or structural weakness.

We specialize in the delicate pruning of Silver Birch (common in Pocklington gardens) and the structural reduction of mature Yorkshire Oaks

Local Tree Care & Maintenance Services in York & East/North Yorkshire

We provide tree care and maintenance services across:

Quick Q&A

  • Q: When is the best time of year for tree pruning in York?

    • A: Generally, winter is best for most species while they are dormant, but we advise on a case-by-case basis depending on the tree’s health.

  • Q: Will a crown reduction kill my tree?

    • A: No. When done correctly by a qualified arborist to BS3998 standards, it actually prolongs the tree’s life by reducing weight and wind-sail.

  • Q: How much does tree surgery cost in York?

    • A: No two jobs are the same. Costs depend on the tree's height, its location (e.g., proximity to a conservatory or power lines), and the complexity of the work. We provide free, no-obligation site visits across York and East Yorkshire to provide a fixed-price quote so there are never any surprises.

  • Q: Do you take the wood and branches away with you?

    • A: Yes. Our standard service includes a full site clear-up. We chip all small branches ("brash") on-site and can either take the logs away or, through our Second Life Project, repurpose them for the local community. If you would like to keep the wood, just let us know and we can stack it neatly for you!

Back to All Services

  • A black and white sketch of a tree before and after pruning, with an arrow pointing from the unpruned tree to the pruned tree.

    Reduction

    A reduction involves cutting the tree back to a smaller size. This is done by taking the longest sections of the branches out, leaving the remaining shorter branches, still with foliage on, as the new outer shape.

    This makes the tree smaller and makes the exposed cuts less obvious so the tree still looks natural but is formed to the desired shape and size.

  • A black and white drawing showing a before and after of a tree, showing less tree at the bottom.

    Crown Lifting

    Crown lifting is where we remove the lower branches of the tree/ ends of the lower branches.

    This is great for example if you need to mow the lawn underneath a tree but the branches are obstructing your activity.

  • Comparison illustration of a tree before and after fruit growth, with an arrow pointing from the left to the right side.

    Formative Pruning

    Formative pruning was developed initially for fruiting trees to improve crop yield but has now been adopted as good practice for many species of young trees.


    Formative pruning is the practice of removing any crossing, rubbing, deformed or weak branches to promote the formation of a well-balanced and healthy tree as it matures.

  • A black and white drawing showing a before and after of a tree, with the right side appearing more trimmed and shaped than the left.

    Dead Wooding

    Dead wood can pose a serious risk to property or people, it’s unpredictable so, if anywhere near where people may walk under or if you have property underneath it then it’s best to remove it before it becomes an issue.
    Deadwooding can also be done to improve the aesthetics of a tree.

  • Drawing of two trees with an arrow between them indicating before and after pruning or trimming.

    Crown Thinning

    Crown thinning is the removal of up to 50% of the branches from the crown to reduce the tree’s density and allow more light through.

  • Black and white sketch of a heart-shaped cluster of leaves with a small stem on top.

    Ivy Severance / Removal

    Ivy can become an issue to trees if it overcrowds the tree, in order to prevent this we remove a 1ft collar from around the base of the tree, this kills the ivy which will fall off in its own time.

Get Your Free Quote from Our Expert Arborists in York

Whether you need a free consultation, a no-obligation quote, or simply some professional tree care advice, the team at Gus Bishop Tree Services is here to help. Contact our qualified, environmentally friendly arborists in York via email, mobile, or by completing the enquiry form. We’ll respond quickly and provide clear, honest guidance tailored to your trees and outdoor space.

Your trusted local tree surgeon and arborist is only a message away! Reach out today for expert support.

Email - info@gusbishoptreeservices.co.uk

Mobile - 07738429588

Our Area Of Operation

We are based in Stamford Bridge near York. We work in all areas within a 20-mile radius of Stamford Bridge, including: Malton, Driffield, Wetherby, Harrogate, Pocklington, Selby, York and Tadcaster – plus all the villages in-between!