Tree Cutting in Norwich – Mistakes We See Every Week
Let’s be blunt: tree cutting in Norwich isn’t a job for guesswork.
We’ve seen just about every tree-cutting mistake you can think of across the city – trees cut too hard, too high, at the wrong time of year, or by someone with more bravado than training. Some of it’s dangerous, some of it’s just daft, but all of it could have been avoided with the right know-how.
If you’re planning to cut a tree yourself – or thinking of hiring someone to do it – this blog’s for you. We’re breaking down the common mistakes we see week in, week out while doing tree cutting in Norwich, and how to avoid ending up on the wrong end of one.
Mistake 1: Cutting Without Checking for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
One of the first things we ask when quoting a job is: Is the tree protected?
You’d be surprised how many people cut down a tree in Norwich without checking. A TPO (Tree Preservation Order) protects a tree from being cut, pruned or removed without permission from the council – even if it’s in your garden.
Last year, someone in Eaton removed a beautiful sycamore without realising it was under a TPO. The fine? Over £5,000, plus replanting costs. Not exactly a win.
Quick tip
You can check if a tree is protected via Norwich City Council’s TPO map. Or better yet, ask us. We’ll check it before a single cut is made.
Mistake 2: Over-Cutting or “Topping” a Tree
This is the one that really grinds our gears.
Topping – where the entire crown of a tree is hacked off to reduce height – is one of the worst things you can do. It stresses the tree, causes weak regrowth, and invites disease and decay. It’s basically a death sentence with a 3-year delay.
We recently helped a homeowner in Sprowston whose oak had been topped by a handyman. It was sprouting weak water shoots all over and splitting under their weight. Sadly, it couldn’t be saved.
Instead of topping, a proper reduction or pollard (if appropriate) should be used. These are controlled techniques that reduce size while keeping the tree healthy.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Tools (Or No Safety Gear)
We’ve seen it all – blunt saws, no helmets, chainsaws with no chaps. One bloke in Taverham was using a ladder resting against a branch he was cutting off. You can guess how that ended.
Tree cutting isn’t just about lopping off branches. You need:
- Chainsaw PPE (helmet, visor, gloves, boots, trousers)
- Ropes and harnesses for work at height
- Lowering gear for safe branch removal
- First aid equipment (and training)
As professionals doing tree cutting in Norwich, we follow LOLER and PUWER regulations. We also carry full insurance – so if something does go wrong (rare, but possible), you’re not liable.
If your “tree guy” turns up with just a ladder and a saw… send him packing.
Mistake 4: Cutting at the Wrong Time of Year
Different species respond to cutting in different ways – and timing matters more than you’d think.
For example:
- Cherry, plum and other stone fruit trees should only be cut in summer to avoid silver leaf disease.
- Oak and ash should be avoided in spring, when sap flow is at its peak.
- Late autumn/winter is ideal for many deciduous trees – but not all.
One job in Old Catton involved cutting a maple in late spring. The previous contractor had taken big cuts while sap was rising, and the wounds bled heavily. That tree’s now vulnerable to infection and dieback.
As local experts, we match the cut to the species and the season. It’s not just about when you want it done – it’s about what’s best for the tree.
Mistake 5: Leaving Stumps Behind (and Regret Later)
Tree cutting isn’t finished when the trunk hits the floor. Leaving the stump can cause:
- Regrowth (especially with sycamore or willow)
- Trip hazards
- Fungal rot
- Attraction for pests
We always offer stump grinding as part of our tree cutting in Norwich. We grind below surface level, so you can re-turf or replant without issues. If you’re quoted for a tree cut but the stump’s not mentioned, be wary – it’s probably being left behind.
Mistake 6: Forgetting About Neighbours and Boundaries
We’ve had to calm down more than one hedge-line dispute where a tree was trimmed or cut back over the line.
Legally, you can cut branches overhanging your property (unless the tree’s protected), but you cannot enter a neighbour’s land or throw trimmings into their garden.
Good tree cutting services will manage boundary issues properly. We always notify neighbours if access is needed, use drop zones to avoid encroaching, and never leave cuttings behind.
Real Tree Cutting Stories from Norwich
✅ Cringleford Job: We dismantled a tall conifer near a summerhouse using ropes and pulleys to avoid smashing glass panels – took an extra hour, but no damage, no drama.
✅ City Centre TPO Removal: Our team handled an emergency takedown of a decaying beech with council approval – all done within 72 hours after storm damage.
✅ Re-reduction in Bowthorpe: Homeowner had reduction done by cowboys. The tree grew back unevenly. We fixed the shape over 2 seasons with staged cuts.
That’s the difference experience makes. Tree cutting in Norwich isn’t about speed – it’s about safety, legality, and long-term health.
Final Thoughts on Tree Cutting in Norwich
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: tree cutting in Norwich isn’t just about getting rid of something tall and leafy. It’s about knowing what’s legal, what’s safe, what’s seasonal, and what’s best for the tree (and your property).
We’ve cleaned up enough cowboy jobs to know that cutting corners leads to regret. Done right, tree work keeps your space safe, your trees healthy, and your neighbours happy.
Got a tree that needs cutting in Norwich?
We’ll give you honest advice, a fair quote, and the care your garden deserves. Get in touch today – no pressure, no nonsense.