Tree Trimming Near Me

Tree trimming, also known as pruning, is the process of removing dead, diseased, or overgrown branches from a tree in order to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. This process is important for a variety of reasons including safety, aesthetic appeal, and the overall health of the tree. One of the most important reasons for tree trimming is safety. Dead or diseased branches can easily fall and cause damage to property or injury to people. Additionally, overgrown branches can grow into power lines, causing power outages or even starting fires. By removing these potentially dangerous branches, tree trimming can help prevent accidents and protect both people and property.

One important reason for tree trimming is aesthetic appeal. Trees that are overgrown or have unshapely branches can detract from the beauty of a yard or landscape. By removing these branches, the tree’s natural shape and beauty can be restored, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.

Tree trimming is also important for the overall health of the tree. By removing dead or diseased branches, the tree can focus its energy on healthy growth. Additionally, trimming back overgrown branches allows light and air to penetrate the tree’s canopy, which can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This can also help reduce the risk of pests and diseases that thrive in dark, damp environments. There are several different techniques that can be used when trimming a tree, depending on the size and type of tree, as well as the specific purpose of the trimming. The three main types of tree trimming are crown cleaning, crown thinning, and crown reduction.

Crown cleaning involves removing dead, diseased, or broken branches from the tree’s canopy. This helps to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of disease. Crown thinning is similar to crown cleaning, but instead of removing branches, it involves removing a small portion of the tree’s canopy in order to allow more light and air to penetrate the tree. This can help to reduce the risk of pests and diseases, and promote healthy growth.

Crown reduction is the most drastic type of tree trimming. It involves removing a large portion of the tree’s canopy in order to reduce the overall size of the tree. This is typically done when a tree has grown too large for its location, or if it is causing damage to nearby structures. It is important to note that tree trimming should always be performed by a professional arborist. A professional arborist has the knowledge and equipment necessary to safely trim a tree, and can ensure that the tree is trimmed in a way that promotes healthy growth and prevents future problems.

Tree trimming is not only important for safety and aesthetic reasons, but also for the overall health of the tree. Regular tree trimming can help to prevent the spread of disease, reduce the risk of pests, and promote healthy growth. By working with a professional arborist, you can ensure that your tree is trimmed in a way that promotes its long-term health and beauty.

However, there are also some considerations and precautions to take when trimming trees, as improper pruning can cause more harm than good. For example, it is important to avoid removing more than 25% of a tree’s canopy in a single year, as this can shock the tree and cause it to become weak. Additionally, it is important to avoid topping a tree (removing the top of the tree) as this can cause the tree to become unstable, and can also cause an increase in the growth of water sprouts (shoots that grow from the base of the cut) which are weakly attached and are more prone to breaking.

When providing a proposal for a tree removal, an arborists also evaluate the site for stump grinding. While having the stump ground is not always necessary, many people prefer to deal with the stump at the same time as having the tree removed. Stump grinding allows the property owner to use the area where the tree once stood for laying sod or planting a flower bed. The stump grinder also produces mulch that has many uses around the yard. Here are answers to some common questions we get about stump grinding. Tree trimming is the process of removing dead, diseased, or overgrown branches from a tree to maintain its health and appearance. It is an important aspect of tree care, as it can help prevent damage to property and people, and can also improve the tree’s overall health and appearance.

There are several reasons why tree trimming is necessary. First, dead or diseased branches can pose a danger to people and property if they fall. Second, overgrown branches can interfere with power lines, sidewalks, and other structures. Third, trimming can help to promote the tree’s overall health by allowing sunlight and air to reach the inner parts of the tree, which can improve its growth and fruit production.

When it comes to trimming a tree, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to only remove branches that are dead, diseased, or overgrown. Removing healthy branches can harm the tree and can also lead to an unbalanced shape. Second, it is important to use the proper tools and techniques to avoid damaging the tree. Third, it is important to trim at the right time of year, as some trees have specific pruning needs and may be sensitive to certain types of trimming at certain times of the year.
One of the most important things to consider when trimming a tree is safety. Always wear protective gear, such as goggles, gloves, and a hard hat, and use a sturdy ladder or lift to reach high branches. It is also a good idea to work with a partner or to hire a professional tree trimming service to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.

When it comes to the tools needed for tree trimming, there are a few basic items that you will need. A good pair of pruning shears, a chainsaw, and a pruning saw are the most essential tools. You may also need a ladder or lift, as well as a pair of safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself while working.

The first step in tree trimming is to identify the branches that need to be removed. Dead branches should be removed first, as they are the most likely to fall and cause damage. Diseased branches should also be removed, as they can spread their disease to the rest of the tree. Overgrown branches should be removed next, as they can interfere with power lines, sidewalks, and other structures.

Once you have identified the branches that need to be removed, it is time to start trimming. When trimming, it is important to make clean, precise cuts. Use a chainsaw or pruning saw to remove large branches, and use pruning shears for smaller branches. Make sure to cut the branch at a slight angle, so that water will run off of the cut. After the tree has been trimmed, it is important to clean up any debris that has fallen to the ground. This includes leaves, twigs, and branches. It is also a good idea to mulch the debris, as it can be used as a natural fertilizer for the tree.

When a tree becomes too big for a section or is in danger of falling because of disease or age, tree pruning or tree removal may be your only option. As tree pruning and arboriculture experts, the tree trimming crews mostly have everything you need to get the job done and offer both a one off service or ongoing maintenance programs, as required. Whether your objective is to promote tree growth or better fruit production, or to improve your view and let more sunlight in, our tree trimming crews are qualified and experienced to do the job. Pruning a tree in a confined residential section can require a great deal of skill. Key considerations need to be given to avoid damage to surrounding buildings, water pipes, power lines and existing vegetation. The experienced arborists have the equipment and the techniques to perform tree pruning services with minimal fuss and with safety in mind. All staff are trained, and completely up to date with modern arboricultural practices, with work carried out to AS 4373-2007 standard for pruning of amenity trees.

In conclusion, tree trimming is an essential part of tree care that can help maintain the tree’s health and appearance, and also prevent damage to property and people. It is important to use the proper tools and techniques, and to trim at the right time of year. Safety should always be a top priority when trimming a tree. With the proper knowledge and tools, you can keep your trees healthy and beautiful for many years to come. You must keep your trees and vegetation clear of the growth limit zone around overhead network power lines. Depending on the type of network line, the trees need to be trimmed when they reach a certain proximity to the line.

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Tree Arborist Near Me

What does an Arborist do?

An arborist (or tree surgeon or tree trimmer and pruner as they can sometimes be called) is a practitioner of arboriculture. These are career professionals that can cultivate, manage, care for, and rehabilitate trees and shrubs. There are also foresters who are professionals who specialize in managing an entire forest and may be responsible in harvesting wood whereas An arborist specializes in individual trees.

How to Become an Arborist

Though a formal education is not required, some employers like to see a blend of education in arboriculture and experience. You can gain a bachelor’s degree in forestry or other related field. Arborists can also earn a specialized International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification to demonstrate their knowledge in a particular aspect of arboriculture. ISA actually has six certifications available:

ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist
ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist
ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist
ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist

In addition some companies may require you to have special licenses. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be preferred. You can learn how about CDL license types (link opens in a new tab) and how to gain your CDL license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (link opens in a new tab) website.

Job Description of an Arborist

An arborist has many duties. Depending on where they are employed, they may also be responsible to climb trees (often with ropes) and some trees can grow to be very large. Safety when climbing a tree is a must so those that climb trees are also highly skilled in this area. Arborists are also sometimes called tree surgeons as not only must they remove dead limbs and prune a tree when necessary, they also monitor the health of the trees in their care and recommend treatment.

These professionals must also be aware of environmental changes such the introduction of an invasive species or other hazardous environmental element. In addition to ensuring the health of a tree, they may plant trees to promote additional growth as well. Those in this career field may spend a lot of time outdoors and in the elements.

Arborist Job Posting

This job announcement is looking for an individual that will work under the technical and general supervision of the Forester and Tree Crew Supervisor and will performs all related tasks involving trimming and removing trees on roadways, grounds, parks, or other public lands, including thinning, pruning, trimming, and cutting away dead branches or excess branches from large trees, felling and cutting up trees, and removing stumps.

The ideal candidate is a team player with a strong work ethic and the skills and passion to help us maintain and care for this treasured historic San Francisco forest. They are to perform the following responsibilities:

Fell trees, clear land, and prepare soil, plants, stakes and mulches to assist with preparation, installation and maintenance for the establishment of new trees in reforestation sites.

Prune or remove trees and stumps using chain saws, handsaws, pole saws, pole pruners, stump grinders wheel loaders, track loaders and various other tools and equipment.

Climb trees with ropes and harness both with and without the use of climbing gaffs and/or work from aerial lift to remove dead, dying, diseased, damaged and hazardous limbs or trees.

Cut, stack, haul, load, chip and transport brush, logs, stumps and other debris utilizing chipper, front end loader, trucks, trailers and other tools and equipment.

Drive trucks hauling forestry equipment, trailers, tree chips, brush, logs and other debris, materials and supplies.

Perform rigging for the removal of limbs and heavy wood utilizing slings, ropes, blocks, knots, lowering devices and other hardware and equipment.

Perform other regular tree maintenance duties including various forms of mature tree care, hazard reduction pruning, limb removal, natural target pruning, selective pruning, clearance pruning for buildings, roads and utilities and structural pruning of young trees for a variety of different tree species throughout the Presidio.

Perform routine maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment, and maintain shop and work areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition.

Monitor self, crew and public safety; provide traffic control, set out cones, barriers and warning signs and utilize safe work practices for tree work as set out in both ANSI and OSHA standards.

Respond as appropriate to questions from public, residents, tenants, and Presidio staff using principals of good customer service; report any problems or issues to supervisor.

Cut grass and tall weeds by use of string trimmers, brush cutters and high weed mowers.

A arborist, tree surgeon, or (less commonly) arboriculturist, is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.

Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (forestry or silviculture). A arborist’s scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.

Scope of work

In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).

Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, Single Rope System (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use ‘spikes’, (also known as ‘gaffs’ or ‘spurs’) attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.

An arborist’s work may involve very large and complex trees, or ecological communities and their abiotic components in the context of the landscape ecosystem. These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating phytopathology or parasitism; preventing or interrupting grazing or predation; installing lightning protection; and removing vegetation deemed as hazardous, an invasive species, a disease vector, or a weed.
Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.

Qualifications

Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others. Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential. Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or perhaps consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, but not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.

Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location. An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure continuous improvement of skills and techniques.

Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the duty of care. Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed, or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism. In cities with tree preservation orders an arborist’s evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities, and can result in legal action including fines. Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a homeowner’s association may need an arborist’s professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.

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Stump Removal Near Me

How to get rid of tree stumps is one of the most frequently asked question in the industry. Once you have had a tree removed you are left with a typically unsightly reminder, the stump. Tree stumps are an eyesore, a tripping hazard, and they can attract unwanted pests like termites or even fungi and bacteria. If left to simply decay and rot away on its own, without any sort of treatment, a stump can take up to ten years to disappear. When it comes to rotting a tree stump in Utah, the rate of decay depends on many different factors such as species of tree, size of the tree, and the climate and weather conditions.

As your leading Utah arborist, we do stump grinding in the Utah and surrounding area, although due to the demand we do have to limit our grinding services and can only offer it to current tree service clients and not as a standalone service.

To remove a tree stump you can try to tackle the job yourself, although stump grinders are quite heavy and can be difficult to use at times. So how do you get rid of a tree stump then? What is the best way? Well, the answer is in the original suggestion of letting it rot away, but doing so quickly.

How To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump Fast?

The fastest way to remove a tree stump, with and without using a grinder, is the chemical method. By applying chemicals to holes drilled into the stump, you speed up the natural decay process and the remaining tree fibers and roots will break down much more quickly. It is considered one of the best ways to remove a tree stump from your yard. Here is how to use this method by following these steps.

DIY Steps To Rotting A Tree Stump From A Leading Arborist:

Begin on a dry day or after a number of dry days if possible. This way the tree stump will be looking for liquid and nutrients and will soak up the chemicals faster.

If you are capable, use a chainsaw to cut the remaining part of the tree as close to the ground as possible. By doing this the chemicals will have less material to eat through. Chainsaws can be dangerous though, so make sure you always use caution, wear steel-toed boots and eye protection.

Once the tree stump is as close to the ground as you can comfortably get it to go, drill a number of holes into the top of the stump and along the sides in a downward direction. The bigger the drill bit the better, and each of the holes should be a few inches deep.

After drilling the holes into the stump in different places, you will apply the chemicals that will break down the remaining wood. Utah does have strict legal restrictions about the kind of chemicals you can purchase for this sort of project. Ideally, you would want a commercial fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, since it will give you the fastest results, but cow manure is also effective. Another more natural alternative is Epsom salt. It is also a cost-effective solution as a 19lbs page starts at $10. It has similar dissolving properties to nitrogen but is a more organic approach. When you have chosen the chemical you will use, pack the holes with as much of it as you can.

Then soak the ground around the stump and wet the top and sides of the stump. After the stump is wet, cover it with a plastic tarp to trap the moisture around the stump. Moisture is ultimately what will help the chemicals break down the wood particles faster.
The next step is to apply mulch over the top of the plastic tarp. Organic mulch, like hay or tree bark, is best for this task as it will retain more moisture and help to keep the tarp in place.

You can use rocks and stones to weigh down the tarp further to help keep it in place, although this step is considered optional.
Once you have completed all of these steps, you are officially rotting a tree stump. This process is a speeding up of nature, and we all know that nature can take its time, so you should expect that it will take some time to work. How can you speed up the stump rot process even more? You can repeat the rotting steps periodically if you notice the mulch has grown dry.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Stump?

The overall cost for a stump removal is largely dependent on the method you choose to use. If you chose to do it yourself, it would be the cost of materials needed. Whereas, if you live in the nearby Utah area, with easy access to the stump, the average cost is about $6 per inch in diameter with $150-$200 minimum charge.

Looking To Remove a Tree Stump Quickly?

Ultimately, the quickest way to remove your tree stump and return your yard to a flat surface is the method of stump grinding. Although our grinding services are limited, if you are in need of a tree removal service in the Utah, area, or if you are looking to get some stumps removed don’t hesitate to contact the tree experts.

If you’re not a current or past tree client and have a stump you’d like removed, read more about stump rot and how to safely remove the tree stump yourself.

When your stump is ground, you can expect that there will be no masses of the stump left underground. The stump grindings, which are the wood shavings from the stump mixed with dirt, are left behind. You can use these grindings as mulch around your yard. Please remove the grindings prior to replanting any plants or trees in that area.

Stump Grinding FAQs

What is the average cost for stump grinding?

If you live in the nearby Utah Metro area with easy access to the stump, stump grinding cost averages about $6 per inch in diameter with a $150-$200 minimum. Anything that makes the stump harder to access and remove such as a fence or retaining wall or anything breakable such as a flagstone patio would increase the price from there. Also removing the stump grindings is almost always an additional charge.

Is It better to grind a stump or remove it?

There are many ways how to get rid of tree stumps, and there are advantages and disadvantages for either removing a stump or grinding it. For removing a stump the advantage is there is no stump grinding left behind. The disadvantages are that removing all but the smallest stumps usually requires large equipment such as a loader or excavator. In addition, it is usually pretty hard to find a place to dispose of them. For grinding a stump the advantages are that it can be done to almost any stump in any location or a reasonable fee and the disadvantages are that the grinding as usually left behind for the property owner to deal with.

Can you grind down a tree stump with a chainsaw?

There are stump grinders that attach to a chainsaws powerhead, but grinding a stump with a regular chainsaw would be exceptionally difficult as the chain would dull every time it hit even a small amount of dirt. It also sounds very dangerous.

Can I use ground up tree stump as mulch?

Yes, a ground-up tree stump makes an excellent mulch product.

How much does it cost to rent a stump grinder from Home Depot?
In the Utah Metro area $299 per day and $209 for 4 hours as of 3/20/19 to rent a grinder for stump removal in Utah, OR.

Does stump grinding kill roots?

No, in fact, the roots are sometimes spurred to grow more from the shock of having the tree removed and stump ground out.

Does tree removal include the stump?

The answer is almost always no. The removal of the stump in the ground is for an additional fee. Tree removal bids are very specific so any extra services such as stump grinding, wood removal, or tree removal permits are not included unless expressly stated.

Will tree stumps attract termites?

Yes, but not all termites will damage your home. It will take an exterminator to determine which kind you have should your stump become infested.

Can a tree grow back from a stump?

Depending on the type of tree they can grow back but this would not be a tree that you would want to keep as its structure would be compromised and thus it would be likely to fail and damage your property.

Contact the tree experts about stump removal in Utah

If you live in the Utah area and are looking to have a tree removed and are also interested in stump removal and grinding contact our nearby team of Utah stump grinding service professionals.

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Tree Care

Tree care is the application of arboricultural methods like pruning, trimming, and felling or thinning in built environments. Road verge, greenways, backyard and park woody vegetation are at the center of attention for the tree care industry. Landscape architecture and urban forestry also set high demands on professional tree care. High safety standards against the dangers of tree care have helped the industry evolve. Especially felling in space-limited environments poses significant risks: the vicinity of power or telephone lines, insufficient protective gear (against falling dead wood, chainsaw wounds, etc.) and narrow felling zones with endangered nearby buildings, parking cars, etc. The required equipment and experience usually transcends private means and is often considered too costly as a permanent part of the public infrastructure. In singular cases, traditional tools like handsaws may suffice, but large-scale tree care usually calls for heavy machinery like cranes, bucket trucks, harvesters, and wood chippers.

Road side trees are especially prone to abiotic stress by exhaust fumes, toxic road debris, soil compaction, and drought which makes them susceptible to fungal infections and various plant pests. When tree removal is not an option, because of road ecology considerations, the main challenge is to achieve road safety (visibility of road signs, blockage-free lanes, etc.) while maintaining tree health.

Tree Care Tips & Techniques

These comprehensive tree care tips will guide you through the process of selecting, planting, and caring for the right tree for your space.
It’s important to remember that proper tree care starts when you select a tree. And what you do to your tree in its first few years of life will affect its shape, strength, and even its lifespan. Following these steps will make sure your tree gets a good start for a healthy life.

Choosing the Right Type of Tree

Proper tree care begins with selecting the right tree and planting it in the right place. Make sure your tree will thrive — especially once fully grown — where you want to plant it. Things to consider include:

The tree’s purpose. Are you planting it for aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak, or as a street tree? Your end goal will determine the suitability of different trees.

Right Tree, Right Place

Short, flowering trees don’t clash with overhead utility lines. Large deciduous trees on the southeast, southwest, and west provide cooling shade in the summer but don’t obstruct the warming winter sunlight. An evergreen windbreak to the north blocks cold winds in winter.

Selecting a Healthy Tree

Good tree care starts with a healthy tree. Here’s what to look for to ensure your tree can provide a lifetime of benefits.

Bare-Root Seedlings

Roots should be moist and fibrous.

Deciduous seedlings should have roots about equal to stem length.

Balled and Bur lapped Trees

Root ball should be firm to the touch, especially near the trunk.

Root ball should be adequate for the tree’s size.

Container-Grown Trees

Container should not contain large, circling roots.

Pruned roots should be cut cleanly, none wider than a finger.

Soil and roots should be joined tightly.

Additional considerations when purchasing a mature tree include:

A strong, well-developed leader (or leaders in a multi-leader tree).

Bright, healthy bark.

Trunk and limbs free of insect or mechanical injury.

Branches well-distributed around trunk, considerably smaller caliper than trunk.

Ideal spacing between branches, at least 8–12” for most species.

Good trunk taper.

Wide-angle crotches for strength.

Low branches — they are temporary but help develop taper, promote trunk caliper growth, and prevent sun damage.

Planting a Tree

Planting Bare Root Trees

Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees

Planting Containerized Trees

Proper Mulching

Mulch is a newly planted tree’s best friend because it:

Insulates the soil, helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold.

Retains water to help the roots stay moist.

Keeps weeds out to avoid root competition.

Prevents soil compaction.

Reduces lawn mower damage.

Steps to Adding Mulch around Your Tree

Remove any grass within a 3-foot area (up to 10 feet for larger tree).

Pour natural mulch such as wood chips or bark pieces 2 to 4 inches deep within the circle.

Keep the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree.

Tree Watering

Tree watering is a key part of tree care, but it is difficult to recommend an exact amount due to the variety of climates. A few guidelines will help you to water your trees properly.

Watering Newly Planted Trees

For new trees, water immediately after you plant a tree. Usually 30 seconds with a steady stream of water from a garden hose w/ a diffuser nozzle per tree seedling is sufficient.

Watering Trees during First Two Years

During the first couple growing seasons, your newly planted tree is expending a lot of energy trying to get its roots established in the soil. Especially during the first few summers of your new trees life, it will have a difficult time dealing with heat and drought. You can make this easier by providing water and covering the soil with wood-chip mulch. Deep watering can help speed the root establishment. Deep water consists of keeping the soil moist to a depth that includes all the roots.

How Much Water and When

Not enough water is harmful for the tree, but too much water is bad as well. Over-watering is a common tree care mistake. Please note that moist is different than soggy, and you can judge this by feel. A damp soil that dries for a short period will allow adequate oxygen to permeate the soil.

You can check soil moisture by using a garden trowel and inserting it into the ground to a depth of 2”, and then move the blade of the trowel back and forth to create a small narrow trench. Then use your finger to touch the soil. If it is moist to the touch, then they do not need water.

Drought-Tolerant Species

If your area constantly deals with drought you will want to consider trees listed as drought-tolerant. Some drought-tolerant species include Arizona Cypress, Japanese Zelkova, White Fir, and Kentucky Coffee tree.

Moisture-Tolerant Species

On the opposite side of the spectrum if your area deals with a large amount of moisture or wet conditions, here are a few trees that will do better in wet conditions: Bald cypress, Shellbark Hickory, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Paper Birch, River Birch, and Weeping Willow.

Pruning

Proper pruning technique is important for a healthy tree. Please review our animated Tree Pruning Guide as well as videos on why pruning is necessary, the rules of pruning, and the ABCs of pruning.

When to Prune

This depends to a large extent on why you prune. Light pruning and the removal of dead wood can be done anytime. Otherwise, below are some guidelines for the different seasons.

WINTER PRUNING

Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice. It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring and should be used if that is the desired effect. It is usually best to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed.

SUMMER PRUNING

To direct the growth by slowing the branches you don’t want, or to “dwarf” the development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily.

PRUNING FLOWERING TREES TO ENHANCE FLOWERING

For trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring.

WHEN NOT TO PRUNE: FALL

Because decay fungi spread their spores profusely in the fall and wounds seem to heal more slowly on fall on cuts, this is a good time to leave your pruning tools in storage.

Tree removal

While the perceived risk of death by falling trees (a part of the “tree risk” complex) is influenced by media and often hyped (the objective risk has been reported to be close to 1: 10.000.000, almost as low as death by lightning), singular events have encouraged a “proactive” stance so that even lightly damaged trees are likely to be removed in urban and public traffic surroundings. As a tree ages and nears the end of its safe useful life expectancy (SULE), its perceived amenity value is decreased greatly. A risk assessment normally carried out by local council’s arborist to determine the best course of action. As with all public green spaces, trees in green urban spaces and their careful conservation is sometimes in conflict with aggressive urban development even though it is often understood how urban trees contribute to livability of suburbs and cities both objectively (reduction of urban heat island effect, etc.) and subjectively.

Tree planting programs implemented by a growing number of cities, local councils and organizations is mitigating the losses and in most cases increasing the number of trees in suburbia. Programs include the planting of 2 trees for every 1 tree removed, while some councils are paying land owners to keep trees instead of removing them for farming or construction.

Standards

The voluntary industry consensus standards developed by TCIA, resulted in the ANSI A300 standard, the generally accepted industry standard for tree care practices including trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. It includes the following parts:

Pruning

Soil management

Supplemental support systems

Lightning protection systems

Management

Planting and transplanting

Integrated vegetation management

Root management standard

Tree risk assessment

Integrated pest management

Professional associations

Tree Care Industry Association

International Society of Arboriculture.

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