C&D - Landscape Tree Care Services

The main reasons for pruning ornamental and shade trees include:

Pruning for safety: Removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets or driveways, and removing branches that grow into utility lines.
Pruning for health: Removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow and reduce some pest problems, and removing crossing and rubbing branches.
Pruning for aesthetics: Enhancing the natural form and character of trees or stimulating flower production.

Pruning can also be used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber.

Pruning is cyclic by nature - it should be considered a process, not an event. Careful and correct pruning produces structurally sound trees that can better withstand the adverse environmental conditions they are subject to. Additionally, properly pruned trees require less cabling, bracing, and disease and pest management to maintain good health. Appropriate pruning will improve aesthetics while prolonging the useful life of trees.

The optimal time for pruning depends on the type of tree:

Fruiting and/or flowering trees: October to January
Pine trees/American elms: late November to mid-March
Other trees: year-round depending on needs

For more information on pruning, see these ISA pages:

Mature Tree Pruning
Young Tree Pruning

Cabling and Bracing

Cabling and bracing can be used to extend the aesthetic value and health of heritage trees. It is important to preserve trees when their roots, trunks, or limbs are threatened by the actions of nature or people. The preservation of mature trees depends on preventing damage where possible and mitigating the impact of damage once it has occurred.

Cabling consists of flexible wire cables used to brace trees together and to strengthen weak branch attachments. Cables are usually used to reduce the load on weak branch attachments and long limbs.

Tree Care - Tree Surgery