A Small Job with a Big Difference

Earlier this month, we visited a customer in Epsom to carry out a light pruning on a small Norway Maple growing in their front garden. Although the job was modest compared to some of the larger trees we work on, it made a big visual impact and helped improve the health and balance of the tree.

The Norway Maple is a lovely ornamental species, but it can easily become dense and uneven, especially when growing in limited space. Our client wanted to let more light through to the garden and ensure the tree kept a good shape without over-pruning it.

The Importance of Gentle, Correct Pruning

With younger or smaller trees, less is often more. Over-pruning can cause stress and lead to weak regrowth, so our goal was to thin out the canopy carefully while maintaining the natural shape.

We removed a few crossing branches, tidied the crown, and reduced some weight from the top. This not only improved airflow and light penetration but also encouraged healthy, balanced growth for the years ahead.

It’s always satisfying to see how a few thoughtful cuts can make such a difference — the tree now looks lighter, healthier, and perfectly in proportion with its surroundings.

How We Approach Small Tree Pruning

Even with small trees, we always follow the same professional process:

Assess the tree’s health and structure before making any cuts.
Identify the purpose of pruning — whether for shape, safety, or growth.
Use clean, sharp tools to make smooth, precise cuts that heal quickly.
Work gradually and evenly to avoid over-thinning one side.

By working this way, we ensure the tree remains strong, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing.

When to Prune a Norway Maple

The best time to prune most maples, including Norway Maple, is during late summer or early autumn. This helps minimise sap bleed and gives the tree time to heal before winter.

We also avoid pruning during early spring when the sap is rising heavily — this can cause unnecessary stress.

If you’re not sure when your tree should be pruned, just give us a call — we’re always happy to offer honest advice.

A Happy Homeowner in Epsom

Our client was delighted with the end result. The Norway Maple now looks balanced and refined, with plenty of sunlight reaching the flowerbeds below. As always, we left the site spotless — all clippings chipped and removed, paths swept, and the garden looking better than when we arrived.

Sometimes it’s the smaller jobs that make the biggest improvement to how a garden feels.

Why Choose Arborlife Tree Services

Fully qualified & insured arborists
Professional care for trees of all sizes
Local, friendly, and reliable team
No VAT – saving you 20% on costs
Covering Epsom, Cobham, Leatherhead, Esher & Surrey

Whether you’ve got a small ornamental tree or a large mature oak, we’ll make sure it’s cared for safely and properly.

Call Declan on 07775 837893 or get in touch online.

Pruning a Small Norway Maple in Epsom

Oct 20, 2025