Tree Pruning
Tree Pruning
Did you know that pruning and maintaining your trees, shrubs and hedges is actually more cost effective than neglecting them? Studies published in the Journal of Arboriculture have shown that it is cheaper to regularly prune trees, shrubs and hedges rather than ignoring them and cleaning up any resulting damage! That is why many cities (like Seattle) have tree care crews, or they contract with tree companies to regularly prune and care for trees, shrubs and hedges.
Elite Tree Care & Tree Service Arborists provide expert pruning that will improve the structure, health and appearance of trees, shrubs and hedges, increasing their life span and preventing damage through the removal of undesirable branches whether they are dead, weakened, diseased or insect-infested.
There are many different techniques of pruning depending upon the tree, hedge or shrub species, maturity, and condition as well as seasonal limitations and specific objectives. All of these techniques however must adhere to ANSI A300 standards (American National Standards Institute Standards for Tree Pruning, hedge). This standard requires that the recommended use of certain tools, cutting techniques, and pruning methods be followed.
Pruning Practices
ANSI A300 Part 1 Pruning sets some guidelines for basic pruning practices that arborist should follow. If an arborist is adhering to the ANSI A300 Part 1 Pruning standard they:
- Will not leave branch stubs
- Will make few or no heading cuts
- Will not cut off the branch collar (not make a flush cut)
- Will not top or lion’s tail trees
- Will not remove more than 25% of the foliage of a single branch
- Will not remove more than 25% of the total tree foliage in a single year
- Will not damage other parts of the tree during pruning
- Will not use wound paint (an attempt to seal up the pruned areas).
There are many reasons to prune a mature tree. Proper Tree pruning promotes good branch structure, improves health through the removal of dead, diseased, stubbed, and dying branches, and reduces potential hazards. Elite Tree Care & Tree Service Certified Arborists will assess your tree’s age, condition, structure, and location and will prepare a pruning plan to meet your objectives.
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