Tree Pruning & Tree Removal

Developmental Pruning

Pruning young, developing trees (a process known as developmental pruning) is one of the best preventative measures a tree owner can take. It prevents the majority of structural defects that cause failure in mature trees. Structural pruning a young tree avoids the need for more expensive tree care practices later in the tree’s life. It also extends the lifespan of the tree by decreasing the likelihood of branch failures.

Structural pruning of young, developing trees provides a desirable and structurally stable form at maturity. Developmental pruning is one of the best investments that tree owners can make in their landscape.

Mature Tree Pruning

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance practice. It involves carefully removing dead, damaged, diseased, or otherwise unwanted tree branches. Proper pruning will add to a tree’s aesthetic value, improve its strength, and maintain safety.

It’s vital that pruning is done properly. Improper pruning can cause irreparable damage, create hazards, and even shorten a tree’s life.

Why Prune Your Trees?

There several important reasons to have your tree pruned by an expert:

• Removing diseased, dead, or storm-damaged branches improves the appearance and safety of your tree
• Thinning the crown allows for new growth and better air circulation (which makes for a healthier tree)
• Pruning can reduce the height of your tree (note that we do not top trees)
• Removing lower branches clears walkways and prevents damage to nearby structures
• Pruning enhances your views

Types of Tree Pruning

There are three general types of tree pruning, which include pruning for safety, pruning for health, and pruning for aesthetics.

Pruning for safety involves removing damaged or diseased branches. This reduces the risk of failure from wind and snow loads and maintains the structural integrity of the tree. It often involves removing branches that could fall and damage your property or cause injury.

Pruning for tree health makes trees more robust by removing diseased or insect-infested wood, promoting airflow, and removing crossed or rubbing branches.

Pruning for aesthetics is done to enhance the natural form and character of your tree (and shrubs). It improves the shape of the tree, opens your views, and ensures proper tree structure.

Experience Matters

Expert care matters when mature trees need corrective or preventative pruning or when a young tree needs pruning to develop a strong structure and desirable form. Proper pruning requires a strong knowledge of tree structure and function, along with extensive experience in both the science and the art of pruning. That can only come from an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist.

Tree Removal

At Stevenson Tree Care, we believe that trees are an asset to your landscape. However, we understand that they can become a liability and require removal. Our certified arborists specialize in low impact tree removal. We work carefully to protect your property throughout the entire removal process.

Call us to schedule an assessment today. We’ll help you determine if your tree can be saved or requires removal. If removal is the best option, we will grind the stump too.

Trust the care of your trees to the ISA Certified Arborists at Stevenson Tree Care!