Tri-State Tree Service is are not limited to removing trees. We can also ensure they remain healthy and beautiful with regular pruning and shaping. This is where our deep knowledge of how and when to trim different species pays off.
We also offer solutions to unique problems. For instance,
- Is the grass under a particular tree failing to thrive because of the shade? Tri-State Tree Service can elevate the branches to allow in just enough sunlight to restore your lawn.
- Do you have a rogue branch from an otherwise safely situated tree growing dangerously close to your roof? We can safely remove those branches.
- Do your trees need general clean-up? We can prune deadwood, hazardous, and crossing branches to keep your trees strong and healthy.
Whatever the problem, count on Tri-State to solve it. Our estimators will be happy to walk your property and discuss short-term and long-term tree pruning and tree trimming programs.
Types of Tree Pruning
Crown Cleaning
Crown cleaning a tree canopy consists of pruning dead and diseased limbs, excess branches, and crossing or rubbing branches out of the crown of a tree. Each tree may require more or less work depending on factors such as location and species.
Prune Deadwood and Diseased Limbs
A common technique of tree pruning is removing deadwood from a tree’s canopy. Pruning dead and diseased limbs is good for the health of the tree. Diseased limbs are cut so they cannot further affect the trees live branch structure, and deadwood is removed for safety.
Crown Thinning
Thinning branches that cross or rub is a common method of thinning the crown. One goal of crown thinning is to reduce wind resistance so the tree is less susceptible to being damaged during a windstorm. It also increases the amount of sunlight reaching the grass below.
Crown Raising
Elevating the lower limbs on a tree is sometimes necessary to raise the branches above a structure, permit clearance over a sidewalk or road, or allow sunlight to reach grass. Wholesale limb chopping, however, endangers the tree’s overall symmetry which is why this type of pruning is best done by professionals.
Shaping
Shaping a tree is performed using poll clippers and shears. It requires trimming the entire canopy all the way around the circumference to form a nice round shape. Among trees recommended for this style are Little Leaf Linden, Bradford Pear, and Holly. Smaller trees are generally considered good candidates for shaping. While dramatically enhancing a landscape, shaping requires more maintenance – pruning at least every two years of not more.
Clearing Limbs Away from a Structure
When squirrels start scampering across your roof at night or you can hear the scrape of branches in the wind, it may be time to consider shortening their reach. Clearing limbs from your house or other structure is a common task, but must be done in a way that does not injure the tree. Branches should be cut back to the nearest lateral limb just outside the branch collar. That will solve your problem and maintain the tree’s structural integrity.
Crown Reduction
Crown reduction refers to reducing a tree’s height and width by a specified percentage. Straight topping is not recommended unless the tree represents a hazard as do large dead or dying trees. Crown reducing is typically performed when a tree is susceptible to storm damage, leaning towards a structure, or has outgrown the area where it was planted. “Drop crotch” pruning is the standard method for crown reducing. It involves cutting the longest terminal branch on a limb and leaving the shorter ones on that same branch.
Vista Pruning
Vista pruning means selectively pruning limbs on a tree to provide an improved view of the local landscape. For instance, it might permit a better view of the ocean, streams, landscapes, or whatever the property owner wants to showcase. It can also be practical, improving visibility of traffic at the end of a driveway. The trick to this type of pruning is to improve the visibility without cutting limbs that are not harmful to the tree.
