Based on a Tree Risk Assessment, we may recommend pruning to lower the likelihood of branch failure. This can be accomplished by removing hazardous branches or reducing overextended branches so they can be retained while mitigating the risk.

Pruning to prevent branch failure is not only a way of managing risk, but it also prevents damage to the tree itself, which can introduce decay and pests. Pruning is recommended as a treatment for powdery mildew, fireblight, and other biotic diseases.

Young trees and transplanted trees often need to be trained by pruning. By eliminating co-dominant stems, subordinating laterals, and other pruning, we can prevent many problems that affect the future health, safety, and appearance of trees.

Trees growing too close to houses, chimneys, or other buildings, or interfering with the use of driveways and walkways can be pruned properly for clearance and to preserve a natural appearance.

We do not do tree topping, but we can selectively reduce or remove branches to maintain a desired shape or size if it's appropriate based on the tree species, condition, and other factors.

Pruning trees to improve their appearance or aesthetics is important. After all, you want your landscape to look beautiful. We can help you make good decisions on how to go about this with respect for your tree's biology and other considerations.

Pruning fruit trees for fruit production requires special pruning techniques. In late winter or early spring, we prune for structure and to encourage growth. During the growing season, we prune to reduce growth.

Trees in our landscapes are vital to wildlife. Crown cleaning and crown thinning are outdated practices in the tree care industry because they can be harmful to trees and destroy wildlife habitat. Removing excess dead branches can make a tree no longer suitable for nesting. Whenever possible, we prefer to leave trees in their most natural-looking state. We even encourage you to leave small, standing dead trees, or retain tall stumps that can be modified to create snags.

Trees that have been topped, damaged from storms, vandalized, lion-tailed, or otherwise pruned improperly in the past have been under extreme stress. The way in which they regrow their crowns for survival puts them at risk of health and safety issues and can make them look unsightly. We restore the crown to a more natural state by:

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• Retaining suitable stems, branches, and shoots to be developed.

• Reducing, subordinating, and/or removing undesirable branches. This may include crossing/rubbing branches, dead branches, overextended branches, or weakly attached branches that are prone to failure.