TRIMMING, FINE-PRUNING, AND REDUCTION
We have the skills, experience, and equipment for large scale tree trimming and reduction at your home or business, but we also do the smaller jobs.
Trimming and thinning a tree consists of removing excess branches and deadwood, which improves appearance and lightens heavy branches for safety, but keeps the shade.
Fine Pruning takes trimming and thinning to the next level, selectively and strategically removing wayward branches. It’s all about aesthetics and shaping & guiding the tree to grow in the right direction (such as around a home, instead of through it).
Reduction is a general term for reducing the size (especially the height) of a tree. The wrong way is quickly “topping” or “pollarding” the tree, a popular but barbaric procedure from the past, which basically entails lopping off the crown (top) of the tree. These abrupt cutting practices result in deformed shapes, and cause “finger branches” that result in a dangerous windsail effect for the tree, a breeding ground for nests of invasive insects, and included bark — all of which cause long-term defects, even death, to the tree.
The right way to reduce a tree is the strategic removal of branches, cutting multi-pronged branches back to their main laterals. The appearance of the tree becomes centered and balanced, and the safety is improved as heavy deadwood is removed and windsail effect minimized.
Without proper maintenance, overgrowth occurs and deadwood can build up, causing dry rot and insect infestation. Removing this inner debris allows a clean, solid barrier of bark to protect the tree against rot, and infestation. The healthier, thinner tree becomes less susceptible to disease, and less of a fire hazard.
The right wind, at the right time, and your favorite tree can become a serious danger. Branches within an unruly, overgrown tree can catch strong winds, causing excessive rocking and swaying. This “windsail” effect can be lessened by reducing deadwood and excessive smaller branching, minimizing movement and strain on the tree in the wind, allowing wind to pass through safely and pose less risk of catastrophic breakage.
AESTHETICS, CENTERING AND BALANCING
Periodic maintenance supports the safety and aesthetic beauty of your trees, ensuring they’re around for you and future generations to use and enjoy.
Centering involves removal of the inner growth of foliage. Leaves and needles inside of a tree’s canopy do not produce as much photosynthesis as leaves and needles on the outside of the canopy. Removing inner growth improves the efficiency and health of a tree.
Balancing a tree, by removing or pruning branches that are overgrown or growing in an unwanted direction, not only makes them more visually appealing, it also keeps weight dispersed evenly, which reduces risk during windy or stormy weather.