The Science of Proper Pruning

There is a big difference between a handyman with a pole saw and a true tree care professional. Every cut we make is a permanent change to the plant's biology. We never practice "topping"—the terrible habit of indiscriminately chopping the top off a tree to make it shorter, which starves the tree and creates massive, rotting wounds. Instead, we practice proper directional pruning trees. We make clean cuts at the precise angle of the "branch collar," which allows the tree to rapidly heal itself, sealing out moisture and disease.

Thinning the Canopy for Wind Resistance

One of the most crucial reasons to trim your trees is to protect them from severe weather. A tree with a massive, incredibly dense canopy acts exactly like a solid sail in a windstorm. It catches the full force of the wind, putting immense stress on the trunk and roots. Our tree trimming and pruning experts selectively thin out the internal branches. This allows the wind to flow cleanly through the leaves rather than pushing against them, drastically reducing the chance of the tree uprooting during a storm.

Specialized Care: Pruning Fruit Trees

If you have fruit trees in your backyard, you know they require a very special touch. Pruning fruit trees is fundamentally different from shaping a large oak. If you want a great harvest, you must open up the center of the tree to allow sunlight and fresh air to reach the inner blossoms. We know exactly when and where to make these cuts during the dormant season, encouraging your trees to push their spring energy into producing heavy, delicious fruit instead of just wasting energy on growing excess leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should I have my trees trimmed? For most large, mature shade trees, having a professional evaluate and trim them every 3 to 5 years is perfect. Fast-growing species or fruit trees might need a little shaping every year or two to keep them producing and looking their best.
• Can you trim branches that are rubbing against my roof? Yes, and you absolutely must! When the wind blows, branches rubbing against your roof act like heavy-duty sandpaper. They will quickly strip the protective granules off your shingles and cause severe roof leaks. We can elevate the canopy to give your roof a safe clearance zone.
• Will trimming my tree make it grow faster? It actually makes it grow better. When we remove the dead, diseased, or weak branches, the tree stops wasting its energy trying to keep them alive. It redirects all its water and nutrients to the healthy branches, which makes the whole tree look much more vibrant, lush, and full.
• Do you use spikes on your boots to climb the trees? Absolutely not! We never use metal climbing spikes on a healthy tree that you want to keep. The spikes stab deep into the bark and create hundreds of little wounds that invite bugs and fungal diseases. We use safe climbing ropes and friction harnesses to move safely around the canopy without hurting the tree at all.