Stump Grinding

Crown Thinning – the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown

Deadwood Removal – removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, and weakly attached branches from the crown of the tree.

Elevating Canopy – removal of lower branches from a tree in order to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and views.

Crown Reduction – reduce the size, height or spread of a tree by pruning back the leaders and branch terminal to the lateral branches.

Health and structural: Trees can be pruned to promote health and vigor as well as to increase the structural stability of a tree. Pruning trees improves air flow between the branches and allows for better sunlight penetration. A properly pruned shade tree dries quicker which makes it much less susceptible to insect attacks and fungal diseases. A properly pruned tree will also allow wind to path through the tree and reduce the chances of damage during high winds. Removing weak crotches and rubbing or crossing branches helps the tree stay strong and healthy.

Clearance: The most common reason to prune a tree is to provide clearance from structures and overhead wires. Tree limbs that are to close to a roof can cause damage because the roof does not dry adequately after wet weather. Also squirrels and other animals can use tree limbs to access your attic. Branches that are to close to overhead wires can produce dangerous situations and can cause interruptions in utility service.

Not so obvious reasons to prune:

• Weak or diseased branches–remove to minimize spread
• Crossing and rubbing branches–eliminate damage to the tree branches.
• Branches are over extended and may break easily during storms or from ice or snow accumulation.
• Branches are interfering with power lines, telephone or cable lines.
• Structural integrity of individual branches or the whole tree is not ideal, but could be improved.
• Decrease wind resistance to reduce chances of tree falling over or breakage of individual branches
• Aesthetics!
• Safety for people, playing, and cars, sheds, play structures, pets, and small trees or shrubs growing underneath.

*Remember don’t trust your trees to just anyone. Improper pruning techniques can cause trees to become unsafe and unhealthy.