Tree Pruning
Minimize future problems with periodic pruning of your trees!
Removal of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, and obstructive limbs is the best method of maintaining tree health and appearance. Although important, there are both pros and cons when having your trees pruned, which is why it is important to hire a company that adheres to the ANSIZ133 pruning standards.
PROS
- Pruning increases air circulation through trees which effectively helps to prevent disease and insect problems above the soil line.
- Pruning decreases wind resistance thereby reducing the risk of storm related stress leading to structural failure.
- Corrective and developmental pruning can eliminate structural problems before they occur.
- Pruning provides a safer and more aesthetically pleasing living and working environment for people as well as protecting your personal property.
CONS
- Trees can be over pruned. Many tree services still regularly engage in the practice of lion tailing, which is the stripping of all foliage inside the outer tree canopy. This puts the tree in an unbalanced “root to shoot” ratio, reducing its ability to defend itself from naturally occurring pests.
- The removal of crossing limbs is a textbook recommendation. This practice can sometimes result in a large hole in the tree’s canopy which is aesthetically unacceptable. Arbor Tree Care promotes removing these limbs a small portion at a time over several pruning cycles, allowing the adjacent limb to fill in a smaller canopy hole, which is more aesthetically acceptable.
- Climbing Spikes! When having your trees pruned never allow anyone to climb your trees with climbing spikes, it not only inflicts unnecessary injury but could also lead to transferring disease to your trees. Arbor Tree Care implements tree climbing techniques and specialized ascending equipment that when put into practice and used regularly, climbing without climbing spikes becomes a simple task. Companies that allow this practice are more than likely not following all proper pruning standards. If a Sales Rep doesn’t mention that spikes won’t be used, be an advocate for your tree and insist they not be.
- The placement of the final cut is very important when removing each limb. To close or not close enough can promote future decay and structural problems.
