Specialized Pruning of Trees and Shrubs
 

A Trees Plus arborist can help you determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees. Using best pruning practices as set forth by the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), TCIA (Tree Care Industry of America) and ANSI A300 Tree Care Standard Definitions, here are some of the most commonly used pruning techniques.

  •  Clean – Selective pruning to remove dead, diseased and/or broken limbs.
  •  Thin – Selective pruning to reduce density of live branches.
  •  Raise – Selective pruning to provide vertical clearance.
  •  Restore – Selective pruning to improve the structure, form and appearance of trees that have been severely headed, vandalized or damaged.
  •  Reduce – Selective pruning to decrease height and/or spread of crown by removing specified branches.
  •  Vista pruning – Selective pruning to allow or improve a specific view.

 

Here are some pruning techniques to be aware of that are not recommended:
 

"Liontailing" - Unfortunately, Liontailing is a very common practice in this area. Liontailing involves removal of excessive interior growth on a branch. This improper pruning practice will leave the limb more prone to breakage and can be an energy drain on the tree. This poor pruning practice is common with our hardwood trees particularly oak trees in the area. Per the ISA, one should take great care to avoid this pruning practice as it can have many negative effects

  • Displaces foliar weight to the ends of the branches
  • May result in sunburned bark tissues
  • Watersprout growth (multilple new branch growth)
  • Reduced branch taper and strength at the point of attachments
  • Weakened branch structure
  • Breakage or failure

"Topping" -  Pruning and “topping” are very different practices. “Topping” is mistakenly believed to control the height of a tree and reduce risk of failure. (This is a common mistake with pine trees) However, topping promotes new shoot growth and this new growth forms a weak union prone to failure as the tree matures. The new stems pose a dangerous threat to people, animals and property. “Topping” can be done quickly by untrained workers and is used by unscrupulous tree service companies without regard to harming the tree or potential danger to the client and property.