Trimming and Pruning

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Proper tree pruning provides many great benefits.  

Benefits of Proper Tree Pruning

• Remove damage, diseased, weak or dead branches that pose a hazard
• Trains growth patterns of young trees
• Provides clearance for sidewalks, driveways, structures, streets and overhead power cable & phone lines
• Improves overall appearance and health of trees

Aspenwall Tree Service Inc. follows ANSI A300 Standards for proper tree pruning 

• Raise Crown:  selective pruning to provide vertical clearance
• Thin:  selective pruning to reduce density of live branches
• Reduce:  selective pruning to reduce height and spread
• Clean:  selective pruning to remove dead, diseased and or broken branches.

Pruning can be beneficial or harmful to a tree - it is dependent upon when, how, where and why it is performed.  

When properly done, the benefits include reduced risk of branch and stem breakage, improved health and appearance, increased flowering, and improved clearance for vehicles and people.  Improper pruning will harm the tree's health, stability and appearance.  If pruning is not performed, the results are the development of low weak co-dependent stems, bark inclusion and the collection of dead branches.

One of the common defects in trees is the formation of large low limbs.  They commonly overextend and break or droop.  Once removed they leave a large pruning wound. The removal of these large branches and those half the trunk diameter or larger increases the chance for decay.  It also can result in cracks and cavities.

Although some pruning standards allow for as much as 25% of live foliage, this is often too much.  The age and species of the tree and size of the branches are some determining factors regarding the amount that can safely be removed.  Removal of live foliage from stressed trees should not be done because they need the sugar-generating capacity.