Pruning & Removals

Our company is fully insured.
We abide by the ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics.
All pruning performed to ISA & ANSI standards.
We use the latest arboriculture techniques & methods to safely and efficiently perform any pruning your trees may need.
Contact us for a free estimate.

Let's briefly discuss the infamous "T" Word

Topping is one of the worst things you can do to a tree. Do your research. Many publications and much literature exists to explain why this is bad. If someone says your tree needs topping, "heading back", "rounding over" etc., be cautious. Ask them if they are a certified arborist and for their certification number. We hate to see good trees destroyed by this practice, and make no mistake, it does destroy your tree. If the tree is in the wrong place (i.e. under power lines) and is continually topped for clearance, then it should be removed and replaced with an appropriate species for the site. Topping comes in many forms. Look for stubs. If the branch does not end in a naturally formed tip, it was improperly pruned.

We cannot stress enough how bad this practice is for trees! Don't pay someone to ruin your tree.

TOPPING IS NOT A PROPER METHOD OF PRUNING. THIS LEADS TO MANY PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE: STORM DAMAGE, INSECT ATTACK, TREE DECLINE AND DEATH. OFTEN THIS PRACTICE IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN PROPER PRUNING OVER THE LONG TERM. THINK TWICE BEFORE HAVING THIS DONE TO YOUR TREE! DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF PROPER PRUNING. THIS TREE WAS CROWN RAISED AND SLIGHTLY CROWN THINNED. WHEN FINISHED, THE TREE RETAINS NATURAL SHAPE AND FORM. TREES ARE A LONG TERM INVESTMENT WITH MANY BENEFITS: TAKE CARE OF THEM AND THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!

ANY TREE THAT LOOKS AS THOUGH A HEDGE TRIMMER WAS USED IS IMPROPERLY PRUNED. STUBBED ENDS SHOULD NOT BE PRESENT AFTER PROPER PRUNING. NATURAL FORM AND GRACE IS RUINED WITH THIS TYPE OF PRUNING.

Types of proper pruning:

Crown cleaning - removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, weakly attached, and low-vigor branches from the crown of a tree.
Crown thinning - selective removal of branches to increase light penetration & air movement through the crown, opening the foliage, reducing weight on heavy limbs, and retaining the tree's natural shape.
Crown reduction - reduces the size of a tree's crown, often for utility line clearance. Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.
Crown raising & Vista pruning - removal of lower branches to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, or vistas (views).
Crown restoration - a planned pruning program to restore form and structure to a previously topped tree (usually requires multiple independent prunings to restore a healthy, structured crown).
Structural training - pruning of younger trees to establish good form to reduce future structural problems.

Example:

This weeping cherry was so low that walking underneath was impossible without ducking down. Because it was an annoying obstacle for pedestrians, a crown raising was performed on this tree. The path is now clear, and the tree also gained a more formal, groomed appearance.

BEFORE: A PEDESTRIAN HAZARD AND POOR APPEARANCE

AFTER: A CLEAR PATH AND GROOMED APPEARANCE

Example:

This River Birch next to a house got a slight crown reduction over the house and a cable installed for support of a weak stem union. The pruning goal is achieved while maintaining natural form and structure. Can you see the branches that were pruned off? Can you spot the cable?

BEFORE CROWN REDUCTION AND CABLING

Full Removals

We evaluate your tree and site and plan the removal process required. Each tree presents a different challenge.

We are professional & passionate climbers that can access ANY tree in ANY location.

We may use an aerial-lift truck and/or rigging as needed to safely and efficiently work in your tree.

Safety First! All our work is done with safety as a priority.

Stumps remain after removals, but we can take care of that. We offer stump grinding as well!

AFTER CROWN REDUCTION AND CABLING

Do you need a tree removed that is in a precarious location on your property? Take comfort knowing we can handle it.

Each tree presents its own challenges, and we enjoy facing those challenges to meet your needs.

Our toolbox consists of years of experience and education on not only trees but also safe work practices, cutting edge techniques, and all applicable equipment to help us meet your needs, both safely and efficiently.

THE TREE MAN

812-936-2926