WHY PRUNE?
Use this tree guide to help identify the trees in your yard:
ArborDay Tree ID
Tight, narrow unions like this are usually inclusions. During growth, the independent branches push against each other, creating a weak joint.
Crowded branches usually develop poor attachment points to the trunk. Pruning your tree when young (think 2"-10" trunk diameter) can drastically affect the longevity and positive investment of your tree. The tree pictured above has crowded structure with poor branch attachment, but because of its age, we are unable to do more than maintain and support the tree where it is at.
Trees in forests have a unique growth pattern. They mature with other trees completely surrounding them. It pushes them to grow tall and straight to reach for their growth source, the sun. Trees that grow in urban environments don’t have nearly as much competition, so their growth patterns are very different.
Residential trees are often stand-alone specimens. Without tall, mature neighbors blocking the sun, they are allowed to sprawl, develop low growing branches and often times, poor structure. While poor structure still occurs in forest trees, it is more of a prevalent concern in the urban landscape where we introduce also introduce risk.
When trees are positioned around structures (or when structures are built around trees) it creates a certain amount of risk. That amount varies with many factors: the location, type of tree, and perceived risk, just to name a few. For example, an oak tree in a corner of a parking lot would be less risky than a maple tree growing right over your home. But you, as a homeowner, are also an important part of the risk factor. We, as arborists, can give our educated opinion on the strength of the tree and the pruning/risk management options. Ultimately, the final decision on how to act is based on your perceived risk. How do you feel about the tree in its current state?
Not all trees require pruning, but most would benefit from some type of upkeep throughout their life. It reduces the chance of breaks and damage by creating a more structurally sound tree. The younger the tree is, the more flexibility we have to achieve your pruning goals. We can also work to lessen the need for pruning as the tree ages. There are several pruning practices we can employ depending on the goal for your tree:
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Crown clean
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Remove deadwood from 1/2in, 1in, or 2in and greater in size
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Remove crossing branches
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Inspect unions and notify of any structural weaknesses or concerns
Crown reduction
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Goal of reducing canopy size, often where wind strain, cracks, and/or inclusions are present
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Remove deadwood from 1/2in, 1in, or 2in and greater in size
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Remove crossing branches
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Inspect unions and notify of any structural weaknesses or concerns
Crown thin
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Goal of thinning crowded canopy to achieve better structure, often where wind strain and inclusions are present
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Remove deadwood from 1/2in, 1in, or 2in and greater in size
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Remove crossing branches
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Inspect unions and notify of any structural weaknesses or concerns
Building/Driveway clearance
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Spot prune/branch removal to clear branches surrounding building/above driveway
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Usual building clearance goal about 5-7 ft
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Vista Prune
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Spot prune to improve view, usually raising or reducing
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Each tree has its own unique pruning needs, so these options alone may not cover what needs to be done. Contact us for a free estimate to assess your trees!