Tree Pruning

Tree Pruning
Pruning is done for 2 reasons 1. Hazard reduction Hazard reduction pruning is exactly what it sounds like-pruning to eliminate a possible hazard or danger. For example, removing dead limbs hanging over a park bench so they don’t fall and hurt someone. 2. Maintenance Maintenance pruning is done to maintain or improve the health and structure of a tree and can include hazard reduction pruning. Whether you’re trimming trees for safety reasons (as in hazard reduction) or maintenance, there’s different kinds of pruning that can be done. Often times, more than 1 type of pruning is necessary though you can be sure our crew, led by Juan Franco, always follow industry guidelines set by the TCIA and ISA. When Juan Franco is giving an estimate for tree trimming, they’ll listen to your concerns first. Then, they’ll give an expert assessment bringing up any potential dangers as well as discussing the type(s) of pruning needed for your trees and shrubs to remain healthy while promoting growth. • Crown cleaning-pruning off dead, dying, diseased or weak branches • Crown thinning-pruning branches to increase light penetration, air movement and reduce weight • Crown raising (lift pruning)-pruning off lower branches to provide clearance • Crown reduction-in particular cases and for the appropriate type of plant, pruning to decrease the height or spread of a tree to reduce encroachment to a structure, other trees, etc. • Crown Restoration-pruning to improve the structure and appearance of a tree. This service is done to restore the canopy
structure of either a tree that had been subject to poor pruning in the past or to help restore a healthy canopy in a diseased tree
Specialty Pruning This is recommended for high value trees that are the focus of your landscaping. Detail pruning is our highest quality pruning that brings out the unique aesthetic characteristics of a tree or shrub while maintaining its structural integrity to nurture its overall health. This may consist of crown cleaning and crown thinning to help reduce insect and disease infestation while also improving its appearance.
Containment Pruning Similar to what it sounds, this involves removing branches that are obstructing sidewalks or encroachments on roads, buildings or other plants.
Structural Pruning This is done on young trees to assist in developing good structural form so they grow up healthy and strong. When performed properly, structural pruning will result in a sound, balanced crown and can even reduce the need for future maintenance so pruning may not need to be done as often.
Vista Pruning Vista pruning often means utilizing practices such as severe crown reduction that are not recommended because it can have a damaging effect on the long term health of a tree. General Tree prefers to use alternative methods. For example, we may remove selected limbs to create “windows” for view. Taller trees may need to be removed to ground level. In some species, sprouts will grow from the stump thus preserving many roots which then continue to help stabilize slopes. As these sprouts reach heights that threaten the view, the process is repeated. Using this approach, the land maintains its natural appearance throughout every season. Selective cutting and/or windowing can also be more economical over the long term.   Production Fruit Tree Pruning This type of pruning does exactly what it says-maximize fruit production. The height is pruned and contained in order to facilitate fruit harvest. The sides of the canopy are pruned to promote strong structure and lateral branching (meaning the branches grow out to the sides). A full canopy of foliage is maintained to help prevent sun scalding of the upper branches.
Ornamental Fruit Tree Pruning While the tree will still produce fruit, the goal with this type of pruning is to maintain the tree’s structural ornamental beauty. The tree is allowed to grow to its mature size and shape in order to amplify its decorative contribution to the landscape.   Landscape Maintenance Detail Pruning This is the highest quality of pruning available and performed on plants which are the centerpiece of your landscaping. It involves crown cleaning to decrease disease and insect populations and improve plant health. It utilizes crown thinning throughout the entire plant, even to the branch ends as this kind of detail pruning places the emphasis on the aesthetics of the plant. Hand Pruning For Best Results Hand pruning is utilized to contain and prune the plant to its natural shape using hand tools. Visible dead and/or diseased wood is removed, leaving the plant with the natural appearance typical of its species. Hand pruning is preferred over shearing for many species of plants as it’s better for health and appearance. Shearing-soft With this method, we trim your shrubs using power shears to contain plant size. Only 1 or 2 years’ growth is removed so the plant has a smooth formal appearance.
Shearing-Hard This process uses power shears to reduce the size of plants that have outgrown their planting area so up to 4 years of growth is usually removed. Some temporary browning of the plant is common until new growth emerges.
Rejuvenation pruning Only recommended for some species of shrubs or plants, this process removes one-third of the canes of the shrub to revitalize growth.