The Jim’s Trees Guide to Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is a broad term that covers a wide array of different tree care techniques. Tree maintenance experts (sometimes known as Arborists, Tree Surgeons or Loppers) will employ any number of these strategies to help keep a tree safe for the community, aesthetically pleasing and prosperous.

In this article we are going to cover the most commonly used tree pruning techniques, and highlight when and why you might use them.

General Clean Up

Doing a general clean up of a tree involves removing any parts of the tree that have become unhealthy or detrimental to its overall health or structure. This can include branches, twigs or leaves that are dead, damaged, dying, diseased or partially detached.

Our arborists will methodically assess the tree looking for parts that should be trimmed or removed. For small trees this may involve one person, on larger mature trees it could require a whole team with equipment and machinery.

Crown Reduction

A crown reduction involves a reduction to the overall size of the tree. This pruning technique cuts down the weight from the end of branches, reduces the length of overweight or overextended branches and removes defective branches.

Unlike topping, which simply removes the top part of the canopy, crown reduction retains the shape and structure of the crown. This technique is often used for clearing power lines, reducing shade, reducing a tree’s wind exposure or minimising obstructed views.

Crown Thinning

While crown thinning is similar to crown reduction, there are important differences in the execution and purpose of this technique. Crown thinning strategically removes branches to allow for the penetration of light and wind through the canopy of the tree.

Thinning the canopy reduces the weight on branches, maintains the shape and structure of the tree and opens up the foliage. Not only does this relieve stress on the tree limbs, it can make the tree less hospitable to unwanted rodents and insects.

Crown Raising

Raising the crown of a tree indicates the removal of low hanging branches and foliage. This technique provides clearance for traffic, construction, people and views. This strategy generally requires minimal crew and equipment as it does not necessitate climbing.

Jim’s Trees can help with all your Tree Pruning needs

At Jim’s Tree’s we very much understand the ‘Why’ of tree pruning.

Our Arborists are qualified and trained to provide quality health assessments and quality pruning services that will benefit the long term health and prosperity of your trees. We also won’t leave you waiting or to clean up the mess. Our teams arrive on time, in uniform and ready to cater their service to your needs.

We offer a full cleanup for all of our jobs, full insurance coverage for your property and the assurance that our specialists are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service.