Pruning Should Help, Not Hurt Your Trees
Proper pruning includes removing the right branches in the right parts of the tree using the right cutting techniques.
Reasons to Prune
- Structural Pruning: Improves long-term form
- Dead wood removal
- Remove limbs identified to have higher risk of failing
- Reshaping
- Crown raising (improve clearance under trees)
- Crown reduction (shortening without topping)
There is some excellent literature about correct and incorrect pruning on the internet. For example, the International Society of Arboriculture has a great website about proper pruning.
Click here to read more information about pruning practices which are known to harm trees. Most notoriously: topping. Unfortunately it is far too common to see these practices as the work of tree care firms portraying themselves as knowledgeable. Be aware of what to avoid when searching for a professional tree care firm.
