Pruning, Trimming & Tree Removals

 

Hedge, Shrub and Tree Pruning and Trimming

Good tree service companies focus on the care of the customer's trees, shrubs and hedges; therefore, pruning is the primary work of such companies, not removal. Unfortunately, some tree service companies misinform their customers, telling them a tree is hazardous and needs to be removed. Arborists, like doctors, desire to do whatever can be done to maintain the health of the trees and thus removal is usually the least desirable course of action.

Well pruned trees are healthier trees, and often certain branches should be removed in order to make the trees safer. Arborists can detect trees that display signs of cavity rot or weak joint structures that are likely to fail in a storm situation. It is far better to remove questionable branches in a controlled situation than risk failure during a windstorm.

It needs to be emphasized that proper cutting technique is extremely important. Improper cuts do not heal well resulting in decay that can spread. Dead-wooding is important: dead branches should be removed as they are harmful for the tree's health. Poor pruning can take years to correct, and in some situations, the damage is irreversible. Unfortunately, many people are still engaging in faulty pruning practices that have been proven to be harmful. Research in arboriculture is ongoing throughout the world, and all tree care practices should be based on solid scientific research, not "this is the way my dad taught me." Frequently, one will see a truck in the neighborhood that lists all of the services that they provide: yard cleanup, grass cutting, pressure washing, landscaping, and tree pruning. It is unlikely such a person is a trained professional in the trimming and care of trees. Pruning is not a skill learned overnight, and one should entrust the care of their trees to knowledgeable and experienced professionals.

An interested homeowner can learn many pruning skills, and of course, pruning and caring for your trees is a wonderful hobby. But again, sometimes it is better to work alongside a reputable tree service company. Large trees and hazardous situations are best left to the professional. Too many homeowners are seriously injured while working in tall trees or hedge-trimming off of high ladders. Leaning from a ladder with a chainsaw invites disaster. Working near power lines is extremely dangerous, and again, should only be done by professionals.

Proper Pruning and Trimming Techniques

For more information on proper pruning techniques, there are excellent books and informative web-sites. A few important details for homeowners are included below:

• Look for any major cavity rot in the trunk and large branches.
• Look for hanging branches and have them removed immediately. They are called "widow-makers" for a reason and may fall at any time.
• Diseased and decaying wood can be removed at any time of the year.
• Prune at the branch collar to promote healing of the wound.
• Remove criss-cross or rubbing branches. The bark is often damaged and becomes an entry point for disease.
• Prune at the right time: some trees should only be pruned at certain times of the year.
• Remove diseased or insect-infested branches.
• Avoid tipping and topping cuts, and never leave stubs. Use thinning cuts.
• Remove watersprouts and suckers in deciduous trees.
• Do not prune more than 1/3 of the canopy.
• Remove branches that interfere with visibility: traffic, crosswalks, traffic lights, street lights etc.
• Raise the canopy (remove branches) if the branches block ground floor windows and doors.
• Break-ins are discouraged when there is greater visibility. Low branches that interfere with trucks or vans should also be removed.

Topping should not be done as it is usually very harmful for the tree and may dramatically increase the tree's hazard rating. Weakly attached leaders grow in size and often fall in the wind 10 or 20 years after the topping. Previously topped trees are often dangerous and should be inspected by a qualified arborist who can recommend possible solutions: removal, cabling/bracing, re-topping or ongoing inspection. A much better alternative for large trees is spiral thinning (canopy thinning) which decreases wind resistance. Such trimming allows the wind to pass through the trees, decreasing the likelihood that the tree will fall due to wind-throw. It also allows more light penetration and air circulation, both important for the tree's health. (See the ISA website for further information about topping.)

Shrub, Hedge and Tree Removal

An arborist can help decide whether or not a tree should be removed. Many aggressive tree service companies encourage bellevue tree removal when such action is not necessary. It is often wise to get a second opinion when the first company suggests removing a tree. Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when a tree is:

• dying or dead
• hazardous and it can not be correctively pruned
• interfering with traffic safety (visibility)
• too close to buildings or power lines
• interfering with new construction
• interfering with more valuable trees (competition for light, nutrients, and water)
• severely structurally deformed (co-dominant, major cavity rot)
• diseased and puts other trees to risk

Redmont Tree Removal: Legal Issues People often move into communities because of the mature trees located in that neighborhood. Many civic bylaws take the position that although the trees are on private property, they also "belong" to the neighborhood. Most cities in the U.S. have, or are presently introducing, tree bylaws that place restrictions on the removal of trees. Customers often ask: "How come I need a permit to cut down this tree. It's on my property." The answer is simple, but not one that all will accept. Trees benefit the community, and the community should have some control over these valuable resources. The trend in the last few decades reflects this view. More communities are introducing bylaws to protect trees. In many cities, removing trees illegally can result in fines of thousands of dollars per tree. Each city has different tree regulations, from nonexistent to highly regulated, and it is the responsibility of the homeowner to be aware of the existing tree bylaws, if any.