Forest trees do just fine without much human intervention. However, trees in an urban setting require additional attention to safeguard their structural integrity. The risk associated with trees can be significantly reduced by knowing where and when to make the correct pruning cuts. It is imperative that any pruning is performed by a qualified Arborist to ensure that correct cuts are made. Tree loppers have a tendency to make the wrong pruning cuts which can result in irreparable damage to a tree resulting in unnecessary stress, accelerated decline, and can eventually cause mortality. A qualified Arborist will correctly prune dead, diseased, rubbing or over extended branches. However, there will be times when a customer would like to improve the tree shape, reduce a potential hazard, or prune to allow more light to reach the understory. For retention trees the industry standard is not to remove more than 20% of live crown tissue in any 12 month period. Excessive pruning will rob the tree of its stored energy resulting in decreased vigour and vitality. Our Arborists are fully trained in proper pruning techniques ensuring the health of a tree is maintained whilst enhancing their amenity.
There are various types of pruning techniques an Arborist employs to keep trees healthy, safe and vigorous. We can assist you to bring out the best in your trees by performing.
Crown Cleaning – The removal of dead, dying, diseased and weakly attached branches from the canopy of a tree.
Thinning – Selective pruning of branches occurs to: improve tree branch scaffold structure; to increase light penetration to the understory; and to improve air circulation through the crown. Correct thinning techniques will: open the foliage of a tree; reduce weight on heavy limbs; and help retain the tree’s natural form.
Raising or Canopy Lifting – Target pruning of lower branches to provide adequate clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and views. Some Councils and Government regulators may require 4.8 m-5.2 mminimum clearance over a live traffic lane and 2.2m clearance over a footpath.
Reduction Pruning – Decreases the size of a tree and is often performed under electrical transmission service wires. The voltage of these wires will dictate the safe exclusion limit distance to ensure that transmission occurs safely and without disruption. Reducing a tree’s height or spread is a delicate job and is best accomplished by cutting back scaffold leaders and branch terminals to secondary branches. Industry standards dictate that the secondary branches are at least 1/3 diameter of the stem being cut to ensure that they remain viable. This should not be confused with lopping which generally occurs when branches are cut back internodally, or to lateral branches not large enough to sustain the remaining branch.
Our qualified arborists are trained to advise the best pruning technique to be applied to your tree.
