Tree Pruning

When pruning is properly executed a variety of benefits are derived.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced risk of branch and stem breakage.
  • Better clearance for vehicles and pedestrians
  • Improved health and appearance

Consequences include:

  • Development of low limbs Included bark
  • Weak, codominant stems
  • Included bark
  • Accumulation of dead branches

When improperly performed pruning can harm the tree’s health, stability and appearance.

Formation of codominant stems and defects such as included bark can lead to increased risk of breakage.

Objectives of pruning

  • Reduce risk of failure
  • Provide clearance
  • Reduce shade and wind resistance
  • Maintain health
  • Influence flower or fruit production
  • Improve a view
  • Improve aesthetics

Pruning Methods

Several pruning methods are used to achieve the tree owner’s objective. These are Cleaning, Thinning, Raising, and Reduction.

  • Pruning to Clean: This is the selective removal of dead, diseased, detached, cracked, and broken branches. This type of pruning is done to reduce the risk of branches falling and to reduce the movement of decay, insects, and diseases from dead or dying branches into the rest of the tree.
  • Pruning to Thin:This is the selective removal of small live branches to reduce crown density. Proper thinning retains crown shape and size and should provide an even distribution of foliage throughout the crown.
  • Pruning to Raise: Raising is the selective removal of branches to provide vertical clearance. Crown raising shortens or removes lower branches of a tree to provide clearance for buildings, signs, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas.
  • Pruning to Reduce:Reduction is the selective removal of branches and stems to decrease the height and/or spread of a tree. Portions of the crown, such as individual limbs can be reduced to balance the canopy, provide clearance or reduce likelihood of breakage on limbs with defects.

Structural Pruning

Structural pruning is the removal of live branches and stems to influence the orientation, spacing, growth rate, strength of attachment, and ultimate size of branches and stems. If young trees are pruned to promote good structure they likely will remain serviceable in the landscape for more years that trees that have not been structurally pruned. Structural pruning of large-maturing trees such as maples, eucalyptus and oaks reduces certain defects and spaces main branches along one dominant trunk.

Pruning to Restore

Restoration (remedial pruning) is the selective removal of branches, sprouts, and stubs from trees and shrubs that have been topped, vandalized, broken in a storm or otherwise damaged. The goal of restoration is to improve a tree or shrub’s structure, form, or appearance.

When to Prune

The best time to prune live branches depends on the desired results. Removal of dying, diseased, broken, rubbing, or dead limbs can be accomplished any time, with little negative effect on the tree.

The timing of pruning can be an important part of plant health care. Pruning Pine trees in fall through spring minimize the risk of pest problems.

Flowering can be prevented or enhanced by pruning at the appropriate time of the year. To retain the most flowers prune trees in the winter or in the summer just after bloom.

Fruit trees pruned in the dormant season will enhance structure and distribute fruiting wood. Pruning after blooming to thin fruit.

The text for the pruning section has been adapted from “Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning” 2008, International Society of Arboriculture. Edward F. Gilman, Ph.D. Sharon J. Lilly

We are world leaders in tree care

Customers can rely on the dedicated professionals to deliver a range of high-quality services that enhance the visual appeal and value of homes and businesses.

Get a Quote