Tree Trimming
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Expert Tree Trimming & Pruning Services
Problem trees left to the whims of nature can lead to severe property damage. Trees that grow near buildings, structures or fences carry inherent risks in the form of decaying branches, disease and thick canopies.
Any one of these tree issues can cause falling branches. When branches fall onto the roof or onto other parts of your property, resulting damage can be devastating. During major storms, it’s not uncommon for falling branches to penetrate buildings and cause major structural damage, leaving the interior vulnerable to roof leaks.
Proactive tree trimming, however, helps remove these risks and helps you maintain healthy trees that safely stand guard over your property.
Tree 16 serves property owners with professional, safe tree trimming services. Tree trimming and pruning involves cutting away unwanted branches and limbs from the crown to achieve a desired result.
Tree Trimming Services
Cleaning
Crown cleaning includes the removal of dead, diseased, broken or loose branches. Most mature tree pruning falls into this category. When crown cleaning, the goal is to remove problem branches without disturbing healthy branches and live foliage.
Thinning
Crown thinning involves the selective removal of small branches to open up a dense canopy. Thinning helps reduce snow load and promotes healthier growth and stability within the canopy of the tree.
Raising
Crown raising includes the pruning and removal of lower branches or limbs to create more vertical trunk height below the crown. Crown raising can be completed on all sides or just one side of the tree, depending on the room you desire below and around the tree trunk.
Reducing
Crown reducing is used to selectively remove branches that could cause potential interference with buildings, roads or objects or to reduce the overall height and width of the tree canopy. Reduction is a technique used to reduce wind and snow loads.
Restoration Pruning
Restoration pruning is completed after storm damage has broken limbs or branches. Restoration pruning uses removal and reduction cuts to give the tree the best opportunity for recovery.
Vista Pruning
Vista pruning is a form of reduction and thinning that improves the view through or above the tree without structurally impacting the integrity of the tree.
There are four primary types of cuts made in tree trimming:
- Removal – live branch is removed at the trunk, carefully leaving branch bark ridge
- Reduction – live branch is removed at union leaving a lateral branch to continue growing
- Heading – live branch is blunt cut above branch union, used rarely after storm damage
- Dead Branch Removal – dead branch is cut above live collar, formed where living wood ends
Tree Trimming FAQ
Why should I have my trees trimmed?
You should have your trees trimmed for three reasons: safety, tree health and tree appearance.
Tree trimming removes hazardous branches from your tree. This could include dead wood, diseased branches or overgrown canopies that present fall hazards and put property at risk.
Tree trimming also helps you maintain tree health. It’s important to remove or treat any disease that could spread to other trees, so you can avoid needing to have the tree removed completely. Likewise, thinning also allows more light penetration into the tree interior increasing the tree’s vigor and stability.
Finally, tree trimming can help guide the shape of your tree. An experienced arborist can help you plan how the tree shape develops over time.
When should you trim trees?
It’s generally best to trim trees between late fall or early spring, when trees have entered their dormant stage. Trimming after new growth has started can hinder the tree’s growth potential for the year.
Of course, if your tree presents a risk to people or property due to damaged branches, it needs to be trimmed right away.
Palm trees do not follow the generally accepted time schedule above. The best time to trim palm trees is when they look like they need it to remove dead or dying fronds, flowers and fruits. Palm trees also deserve special attention prior to hurricane season to prevent unnecessary storm damage.
Resources about trimming & pruning – ISA guide to pruning your trees, USDA Tree Owner’s Manual
Should I trim my own trees?
It’s generally not recommended, especially for mature trees. A few wrong cuts could leave your trees vulnerable to early decay or abnormal growth.
There is a strategic process to selecting which branches and cuts will best serve the healthy growth of your trees. A trained tree professional or certified arborist know exactly how to do this.
Additionally, large tree trimming can be dangerous and could cause bodily harm or property damage. Professionals are outfitted with the right tools, equipment and training to make the job safer, more efficient and to deliver a higher quality result.
How much does tree trimming cost?
Home Advisor suggests that average tree trimming ranges from from $200 to $760. Large tree trimming costs can range to $1,500 or more.
There are several factors that go into the cost of tree trimming. These include: time since last pruning, size and scope of trimming needs, location of tree, site accessibility, mobilization/travel requirement for one tree or multiple trees, debris disposal requirements and more.
Do you trim palm trees?
Yes! We trim palm trees. Palm tree trimming is a specialized form of tree pruning, and it’s important that you hire a professional that knows how to trim a palm tree.
Palm tree trimming involves the removal of dead fronds, flowers and fruits. It’s an important mitigation step to include in your hurricane planning schedule.
Over pruning is a common and easy problem. Over-pruned palm trees look very bad and could attract pests.