Pruning

Pruning Should Help, Not Hurt Your Trees

Proper pruning includes removing the right branches in the right parts of the tree using the right cutting techniques.

Reasons to Prune

  • Structural Pruning:  Improves long-term form
  • Dead wood removal
  • Remove limbs identified to have higher risk of failing
  • Reshaping
  • Crown raising (improve clearance under trees)
  • Crown reduction (shortening without topping)

There is some excellent literature about correct and incorrect pruning on the internet. For example, the International Society of Arboriculture has a great website about proper pruning.

Click here to read more information about pruning practices which are known to harm trees. Most notoriously:  topping. Unfortunately it is far too common to see these practices as the work of tree care firms portraying themselves as knowledgeable. Be aware of what to avoid when searching for a professional tree care firm.