Tree Pruning

Local Tree Surgeons

Tree pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Although forest trees grow quite well with only nature's pruning, landscape trees require a higher level of care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree's life.

Trees can require pruning for several reasons, including deadwood removal, shaping (by controlling or redirecting growth), improving or sustaining health, reducing risk from falling branches, preparing nursery specimens for transplanting, and both harvesting and increasing the yield or quality of flowers and fruits.

Depending on the age and species of your trees specific types of tree pruning may be necessary to help maintain your tree in a healthy, attractive and safe condition.

  • Formative Pruning is the formation of a healthy stem and branch framework in very young trees. This is achieved by carefully selecting and removing any diseased wood, congested and rubbing branches and weak branch unions. It is preferable to make any necessary formative structural pruning cuts to young trees, rather than removing large, poorly placed branches from mature trees.
  • Fruit Tree Pruning Pruning fruit trees is a technique that is employed to control growth, remove dead or diseased wood or stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds. Pruning often means cutting branches shorter or off altogether, but may also mean the removal of shoots (including stems), buds, leaves, etc.

Most deciduous trees (trees that shed leaves annually) are best pruned when dormant, in late autumn or winter. Pruning is not recommended in early spring, as many trees bleed sap if cut at this time of year.

Maple, Horse Chestnut, Birch, Walnut and Cherry trees all bleed sap extensively, even towards the end of their dormant season, so these are best pruned in mid-summer after new growth has matured.

The correct pruning of trees is something we take particular pride in. The end goal is to ensure we leave our clients with a healthy and natural looking tree.

Tree Pruning